You and the night and the music AU (M/L) ADULT [COMPLETE]

[nicola]

You and the night and the music
M/L
Disclaimer: Own nothing but the idea...
Summary: Set in Quimperle. Liz lives with her mother above an ice cream and candy store. Max is younger then her (he's 18, she's 22) and he's been in love with her since the first moment he lay his eyes on her. She's not interested and doesn't care when he goes away to college in Paris. But when he gets back he's all grown up and she wants another chance, will he give it to her?

(Felt like writing a typical romance Unsure if I'll continue...hope you like)

..........

With his hands planted firmly on the counter, Max leaned over so his face was directly in front of hers. “I think you want me to take you out to dinner,” he said.

She smiled. “That’s where your intuition fails you.”

“Damn, shot down again,” he leaned back. “Why not?”

Liz sighed. “Max, you aren’t my type.”

“Bullshit,” he grunted. “Élisabeth Parker we are meant to be together darling. You’ll see.”

“Oh so my future isn’t that bright after all.”

Max’s smile faltered momentarily. “Why are you doing this?”

“I think you need to move on.”

“How can I move on Angel face? We haven’t even begun our life together. Can’t ignore destiny.” He picked up his blue paper bag of purchases from the bench. “You just haven’t realized you love me yet. But I’ll be waiting.”

Marie chose that moment to come out from the back room. “You’ll be waiting a while Doll. Lizzie here is thick.”

“I resent that,” Liz grunted.

“Bye Marie.” Max walked backwards towards the door. “Toddles, my love. Until I see you again.”

“Bye Max.” Marie waved enthusiastically. Once he was gone she turned to her friend angrily. “What is wrong with you, hmm?”

“What are you talking about?” Liz tightened her pink apron around her waist.

“He is such a fantastic guy and he’s head over heals in love with you. Go out with him.”

“Never,” she pursed her lips. “He’s only eighteen Marie.”

“And you’re only twenty-two,” Marie snorted. “You’re insane. If you don’t realize what you’re missing out on, it’ll be too late. At the end of the year he’s moving to Paris for College.”

“Oh good, some peace.”

“Idioté!” Marie cried. As she walked away she muttered angrily, “Damn, why did he have to be in love with you?”

“Have him,” Liz said. “He’s all yours.”

Max walked down rue Abel-Eugénie, which was a dirt road on the edge of the lavender fields. He had a smile on his face and a skip in his step. Even though the love of his life had refused his offers once more—he would not give up hope. One day she'd be his, he just wished he wouldn't have to wait so long.

He'd first met Liz when he was twelve years old. As far as he knew, her mother had moved her from America to France because she'd met François Rousseau on the internet and they decided to get married. Liz was sixteen at the time and detested the idea of living in a small town but she'd had no say in the matter.

Unfortunately when François and her mother met in person they decided they didn't really think it was a good idea to get married anymore and broke the whole thing off. Ms Parker decided to stay in France nevertheless and Max couldn't have been happier because that meant more of her daughter.

Liz had looked like an angel from the first moment he saw her. He had been riding his sister's pink bicycle, not because he'd wanted to but because his very cool blue bike had a flat tyre. She was walking in a loose white dress with her long dark hair floating about in the wind and he was so taken aback by her he rode the bike right into the grassy ditch on the side of the road. She didn't see him, which he was eternally grateful for, but he had some nasty bruises for a while afterwards. He still believed they were completely worth it.

He was too young to be at the same school as her but through the years he'd gotten to know her in other ways. Her mother opened a chocolate and ice cream store and Liz had to work there, so he went and spent his money there every single day.

"You must have a real sweet tooth," she said to him once. He decided he'd better come out with the truth then and there so he confessed that he was infatuated with her. She'd been flattered but said he was simply too young for her and he should find a girl his own age. He was disheartened at first, for four years seemed a piddly amount of time to him, aging wine so it tasted out of this world took longer!

Max lived with his mother and three sisters Nicola, Isabelle and Amélie. He was the oldest of the four children and he acted like a father figure for the rest of the kids. Their birth father was English and he had run off six years earlier to live in London with a librarian.

The house had four bedrooms, Isabelle and Nicola shared because they were the youngest, then one for Max, one for Amélie and one for their mother. Their abode wasn’t anything fantastic; in fact there were days when Max was sure it was nothing more then a shit-hole. It came off the dirt road oddly; you would never have known a house was there if you hadn’t been looking. It had a long drive way in-between walnut trees then opened out into a wide clearing. It was a two story house that was a dirty yellow colour with an orange tiled roof and was surrounded with not-so-well-kept gardens and trees. The woods were behind it.

“Ah! You’re home, finally!” Max’s mother was in the kitchen with Nicola bouncing around her feet on a slightly-deflated moon-hopper. Adèle had dishevelled cherry-brown hair and blue denim eyes. Her skin was pearly white; she never ever tanned. Under the sun her precious skin simply burnt and peeled. Her arms were thin but her thighs were large with round hips and a full bottom. She was short and had small breasts that hung low on a stomach that was flabby from having babies. All in all, she looked nothing like tall, dark-skinned, hazel eyed, strong-limbed Max.

“You brought chocolate?” Nicola’s eyes opened wide with hopeful delight.

Max put the bag down on the table and kissed his mom’s cheek. “I brought chocolate,” he confirmed.

“Ah, that must mean you’ve been to see Liz,” Adèle smiled knowingly. “Well, I’m afraid now that you’re back you’ll have to go out again. Take Nicola and Isabelle for a swim would you? Get them out of my hair.”

When Max turned to look at Nicola once more she was on her knee’s on top of the table with her little hands working frantically at the sticker that held the blue paper bag closed. He swooped her up into his arms and carried her through the lounge room.

“Oh no! No!” she cried. “Take me back, take me back!”

“For pudding,” he said simply. “Where’s Amélie?”

“With Brigitte,” Nicola climbed down his body and stood on his shoes with her bare feet. She was a beautiful six year-old with her mother’s pearly skin and dark eyes. Her hair was curly brown, the same colour as Max’s. Isabelle looked the same. Only Amélie had hazel eyes and dark skin like Max. “Isabelle! Max is taking us for a swim!” she skipped into her bedroom tugging Max by his hand.

“I don’t really feel like swimming,” said Isabelle. She was reading on her bed.

“What?! Of course you do!” Max was enthusiastic. “I feel like swimming, it is very hot. Nicola feel’s like swimming too. You don’t want to be the odd one out.”

She groaned loudly.

“Come on now, get changed.”

Isabelle grudgingly got up off her bed. She was twelve years old and was quite tall for her age. “Fine.”

“Five minutes,” Max winked at Nicola then went to his room to tug on his swimming trunks.

They walked through the forest to get to the town swimming spot. Sometimes Max took his sisters further through the oaks to see if they could spot a fox or deer or…more regularly, a porcupine. Nicola always squealed with horrified delight whenever they saw something, scaring it away.

They reached the pond and the sun was pounding down on the dirt and water. “Ohhhhhh!” Nicola squealed. “Look Max! Liz is here with Colette and Marie!”

“She is? where?” But he’d just seen her at work! How fortunate that she could have been let out for the afternoon! “Let’s go say hi.”

“No,” Nicola and Isabelle cried. “You said we’d swim Max!”

“Fine, fine.” He’d just have to make do with staring at her.

The three of them kicked off their sandals and t-shirts. “I’ll race you?” Isabelle said.

“You have to give me a head start,” Nicola chirped. “Because I’m a little girl.”

“Little? I remember you specifically stating that you were a big girl this morning when you weren’t allowed to pour your own drink, make up your mind.”

“GO!” Max let them run off and then followed a few seconds later. He made a big splash as he bombed into the water. When he came up with Nicola on his back Marie was waving at him. They waved back. Liz wasn’t looking.

“See?” Marie said turning to her friend. “Just see that boy. Look at that body.”

Liz flicked her gaze in Max’s direction for barely two seconds. “So?”

“You are kidding me,” Marie said.

“He is pretty yummy, shame he’s not older,” offered Colette.

“Eh,” Liz shrugged. “He’s a bit shrimpy. Maybe in a few years he’ll be more formed.”

Marie watched Max play around with his squealing sisters, throwing them in the air and letting them plop loudly into the water. He was just so incredible, and cute, especially when he was so playful and loving with his little sisters. She sighed and rested her chin on her hand. He was always playful and loving, with everyone. He was just so…wonderful. He was the perfect guy.

When she and Liz were walking home, Liz let out a loud sigh. “God, I’ve got to get out of here Marie,” was all she said.

“Why?” Marie asked. “I don’t know why you always say that, there is nothing wrong with Quimperlé. I hope I never leave.”

“I’m a city girl,” Liz replied. “I always have been, always will be. I just can’t…flourish here.”

“Flourish?” Maria chuckled.

“You know what I mean.” They walked through the cobblestone courtyard where all the store owners were sitting outside their shops doors having their lunch. On Fridays this courtyard was just packed with food stalls and busy shopping bodies. Liz stopped and sat down on the edge of the fountain in the middle. “I feel like the world is just passing me by.”

“I think you are misled. There isn’t a lot of great out there.” Maria smiled and breathed in Bretagne for all it was worth. “Here we are safe, we have food, we have places to live, and everyone is friendly…”

“There are more things in life,” Liz snorted.

“Like what? We know everyone here, everyone knows us. Its darling, as your mother would say.”

Liz’s face looked grumpy when she pushed herself up from her sitting position. “Just because everyone else thinks that way, doesn’t mean I have to. I’m going home, see you later.”

Maria watched her walk away with a look of complete and utter jealousy. Liz was very pretty, she could see why Max was attracted to her. It would be so much easier to hate her for it if she wasn’t her best friend.

When Liz got home, she found her mom sitting out back drinking a glass of wine and smoking a cigarette. “You shouldn’t drink while you’re working maman,” she said as she headed up stairs. Her mom didn’t say anything.

Tonight Liz had a date with a man named Patrice. He was thirty years old, a little older then what she usually went for, but pickings in this town were slim and anyone who could get her out of here was worth getting to know.

When she reached her room she started getting ready and at six-thirty she scurried down the narrow steps to the front door. Her mom looked up from where she was cooking at the stove. “Where are you going?” she asked.

“I told you, I have a date tonight,” Liz reapplied her red lipstick and fluffed her hair. “See you.”

Outside Patrice was just pulling up in his green convertible. He waved hello with a cigarette between his fingers and she waved back then hopped in. They zoomed off down the street, the cool air stroking their cheeks. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, it’s just out of town,” he lifted his sunglasses and winked at her. “You’ll like it.”

She watched him as he drove. He had long-ish blonde hair and green eyes, much like Marie, but he was not that great looking. He was a wee bit on the chubby side too. Nevertheless, he’d do.

Dinner went well but towards the end of the evening he announced that he’d be moving down to Normandie where he would open a utensil factory. Liz couldn’t have been more turned off, Normandie was indeed bigger then Quimperlé but it was the opposite of where she wanted to go. When they went back out to the car and he asked if she’d come back to his place she said no. Normally she’d be happy to spend the evening with a nice man, but only if she would benefit from it. Now she saw she would definitely not.

“I’d like to go home,” she said firmly. “Thank you.”

He didn’t take no for an answer, thinking that she was playing hard to get, and drove back to his house anyway. “Oh Patrice, I really don’t want to come inside.”

“Why on earth not?” he leaned over and kissed her passionately on the mouth. “It’ll be fun.”

“No, I suddenly think you are a bit old for me,” she lied.

“No please, I’m only thirty.” He paused. “Look, I’ll give you a drink, you’d like that?”

She did want a drink. “Only for a few minutes.”

Much to her disgust, he ended up getting exactly what he wanted from her. When he was falling asleep on the bed afterwards she asked him to give her a ride home. He snored. “Just stay the night, I’m too tired. I’ll drop you in the morning.”

“I don’t want to stay the night.” He didn’t reply, didn’t open his eyes. “I’m leaving,” she told him.

He actually left her to walk home by herself and the nice breeze earlier was now a harsher wind. She thought to herself, what an asshole. It was a forty minute walk back into town and by the time she got there it was nearly twelve in the evening and her heals had caused horrible blisters on her toes. She took them off and walked along the grass at the creek.

“Mom! Open up!” The front door was locked at home and she stood under the dim light of the lamp pounding on the door with her fists. When she saw that she wasn’t going to get inside any time soon, she slumped down onto the cold concrete steps and sobbed into her hands with frustration. Then, as you do when you’re upset, she started to cry over all the things she hated about her life at the moment. She hated that Patrice had had sex with her tonight and she hated that she always let everyone like him do exactly the same thing. She blamed this all on her mother, what kind of an example does she set when she does exactly the same thing? And if only she was back in America…if only…

She heard footsteps heading in her direction and she didn’t look up in hopes they’d pass her by and let her be. Of course they didn’t, the people in this town were good and kind and would never leave someone alone in distress. They sat down beside her and she wiped her eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Really? I could have sworn a second ago you were crying.”

“Max,” Liz rolled her eyes. “I should have known. What are you doing out at this time of night?”

“My sister has a sore throat and couldn’t sleep, I got her some medicine,” he showed the bag to prove it. “But what I really want to know”—he looked genuinely concerned but she missed the tender love in his eyes by looking away—“is what’s gotten you so upset.”

“Nothing that is your business,” she growled. “You should go home.”

“I’d really rather not,” he touched her hand and she slapped it away. She was so used to touches from men being nothing but a way to flirt and get what they want, she was so used to it she didn’t notice that Max was there only to try and get her to smile. “You look very nice, did you go out? How can I help you?”

“You can’t,” she banged on the door a couple more times. “Come on mom!”

“She’s probably asleep. You can stay at my house if you’d like,” he offered.

She laughed without much humour. “Oh I’m sure I can.”

“No, it’s nothing like that. You can have my room; I’ll sleep on the sofa.” She didn’t believe him because she didn’t believe males could be genuinely kind like he was. “You don’t see me at all,” he said. “I don’t know what’s happened to you to make you so untrusting, some people do just want to help.”

Suddenly the door behind her swung open and she fell back in surprise. Her mother stood in her bed shirt with a miserable look on her face. Liz started to laugh. “Did you forget I left a key out for you?” her mother asked.

Max got up. Liz’s mom didn’t seem to even notice him. “I’ll be going now,” he said. Neither of them said goodbye, Liz didn’t say thank you, and so he walked away into the night.

Liz got up and smoothed her dress down her thighs. “You did, where?”

“Right here!” she hissed, leaning down and lifting the small terracotta pot with wilting flowers in it.

“Oh, there,” Liz pushed passed her. “Sorry.”

“I should have left you to sleep outside.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. I’ve had a tough night.”


....

Maybe continue? Let me know

[nicola]

Hi guys, thanks for being so patient. Still not sure about this one, let me know what you honestly think.

One.

To help save for college, Max had started working for Adrien on his winery just down the road from his house. After Adrien’s wife died he continued the wine production, even though many people thought he wouldn’t. Max had worked there on afternoons through high school and since he’d graduated early he’d been working there more regularly. Max’s dad had also sent a large sum of money to contribute to the fund.

It was a Thursday afternoon and Max was just finishing loading up one of the trucks with barrels. Trent was helping him so they got the job done quickly.

“Want a ride home Max?” he asked.

“Nah, I’ll be okay. Thanks anyway.”

He was just walking up the drive way to his house when Nicola came skipping out. “Finally!” she chirped. “Let’s go! Right now!”

“Patience is a virtue,” Max told her. “I’m just going to go toilet and get changed okay?”

“What’s a virtue?”

“It’s a good quality,” Max answered. “I see you’ve put your shoes on. Have you had a drink of water? I’ll just be a tic.”

Amélie was sunbathing out back in her bikini. Isabelle was with her. “Were you looking after Nicola?” he asked.

“Of course,” Amélie said. “Where is she anyway?”

Max rolled his eyes. “You two are the worst baby-sitters on the planet.” He walked around so he was standing in front of them. “Not that you’ll notice, but I’m taking Nicola to get ice cream and then I’m taking her to her friend’s house.”

“Alright, have fun,” Amélie was going through her nasty teenage stage. Some days she was horrible as hell and sometimes she was so sweet you’d think she was made of sugar. Everything she said seemed sarcastic and teasing.

“Max! Hurry up!” Nicola screeched from inside the house.

“Coming, coming!” Max slipped his shoes on and picked Nicola’s backpack up off the couch. “Right, we’re ready then,” he said as he came out the door. “You almost forgot this, Miss “I’ve been ready for an hour” put it on.” As they walked down the road towards town Max tried to get her to walk in the shade so her little white shoulders would not get sunburnt.

“I’m fine,” she whined, skipping along. Max watched amused, she was always skipping and hopping. His mother called her bunny because of it.

“Hold my hand,” Max said.

“I’d rather ride your shoulders,” she said with a puff of air and looking up at him with the sweetest eyes. He gladly picked her up and she sat on his shoulders with her little hands resting on the top of his head and her feet hanging down his chest. She ruffled his hair so it was all over the place, laughing gleefully.

“Well that’s it, there will be no ice cream now,” Max said.

“What? No! You promised!”

“I can hardly let Liz see me with my hair all like this, can I?” he pouted.

“I will fix it! I will fix it,” Nicola smoothed it down.

“How does it look now?” Max asked.

Nicola leaned over and looked down at him. Her face screwed up. “You could wear my sun hat.”

“You mean the high-lighter pink one with yellow flowers on it?” Max smirked. “I’ll pass thanks.”

When they got to town Nicola got down and walked next to him with her hand in his. She was so little and short she barely came up to his hip. Every time they walked past a performing street band she made him stop and dance with her. He was incredibly embarrassed.

Finally they reached Petits Plaisirs. “Little delights.” Max opened the door and the little bell over head rang. Nicola rushed in but he came slower, his heart doing little nervous flips. His nervousness disappeared and was replaced with disappointment when Marie came out from the back room. She smiled brightly.

“Hey Max! Nicola! Wow you’re getting so big,” Marie leaned over the counter. “What can I get you today?”

“Ice cream,” Nicola almost squealed with suppressed excitement. “Crème Brule.”

“Crème Brule it is,” Marie touched her nose. “And what about your brother?” When she looked up she saw him trying to peak through the door to the back room. “She’s not here,” she told him.

Max quickly stepped away. “Pardon?”

Marie sighed unhappily to herself. “Liz isn’t here; she’s spending the day with her mom and her new boyfriend. Sorry, it’s just me.”

“I wasn’t looking for Liz,” Max tried to save some dignity.

Nicola and Marie chuckled. “Yes, right,” they said.

“Now, what ice cream would you like today?” Marie asked, unable to tear her eyes of him. It was kind of pathetic really, the way she adored him. She tried to vanish the sinking feeling of rejection in her heart because he felt the same way for Liz as she felt for him.

“I don’t need anything,” Max sighed.

While Marie scooped a little bit of ice cream into a cone for Nicola she said, “It was really nice of you to stop by and keep Liz company the other night when she was trapped outside.”

“She told you about that?” Max was suddenly smiling brightly.

Marie wasn’t about to tell him that Liz had called him clingy and annoying and that he should keep to his own business. Oh, and that he was a closet sleaze-ball just like every one else. “Yeah, she thought it was real decent of you.” She handed the ice cream cone to Nicola—“there you go sweety”—who started devouring it instantly.

Max pulled his wallet out…

“That’s on the house, just don’t tell Ms Parker,” Marie winked at him. “Now we can say I’ve contributed to your college fund. How much longer to go until you leave anyway?”

“A few days,” Max answered and thanked her for the free ice cream.

“It’ll be hard to leave your sisters?” Marie asked.

“Yes,” Max said. “Very hard, but I’d like to make something of myself to give back to my mom.” He told her honestly. “Anyway, we better go. Nicola’s going to a friend’s house.”

“Okay, well have fun.”

“Bye Marie!” Nicola exclaimed.

When Max was heading back home after dropping Nicola off at her friends, he bumped into Liz. “Hi!” he said enthusiastically.

“Hello,” she said coolly, very prepared to just keep walking past.

“Where are you going?” he asked politely. His heart was beating double time.

“Church,” she said simply, continuing on her way.

He came after her. “Church? You don’t seem like a church type of person to me.”

“I’m not,” she replied, not looking at him. “The stone churches are the only place that still feels like a refrigerator inside when it’s scorching outside. I like to go there to cool down.”

“Why not go for a swim?” he asked.

“Well, I don’t really like to swim alone…” she told him. “And besides then you have to get changed and so on, who has time for that?”

“Oh, I suppose so.” Max shoved his hands in his pockets. “So…”

“What Max?” she finally looked at him, annoyed.

“Can I come?” he asked.

She bit her lip. “Max I’d rather you didn—”

“Okay, that’s fine. Thought I’d give it a try. Bye.”

~*~

Max was not his usual cheery self today. Tomorrow he would be leaving for Paris on the train and having to say goodbye to everyone he loved was taking its toll on him. His mom sat with him on the veranda outside her bedroom with her arm wrapped around his shoulders. “It will be fine,” she said, “I don’t want you to worry about me and your sisters.”

“How can I not?” he asked. “I’ll be too far away if you need anything or are in trouble…”

“Max,” Adèle cut him off. “I know that when your father left you felt that it was your job to take care of the girls but I can manage, I can cope. We will miss you dearly but you have been handed a great opportunity and with your intelligence I know that when you do come back here, you’ll have a lot to show for your hard work.”

“What if…”

“No,” she put her hand over his mouth. “No what ifs. You are making the right decision by leaving. Now, have you said goodbye to everyone?”

Max bit his lip and looked away. “Yes. I have said goodbye to everyone.”

“Oh really?” Adèle tugged on his ear. “Even a certain Élisabeth Parker? Did she give you a farewell kiss?”

“Mom,” Max went red. “God, shh!”

Adèle saw that he was struggling with himself. “You don’t want to say goodbye to her, do you?”

Max rubbed his eyes. “It’s just that…I feel silly. She has never even glanced at me twice and here I am…pining after her and I’m going to miss seeing her around so much…”

“One day,” Adèle said, “Élisabeth is going to look at you and realize what she has been missing out on. You know what I want you to do while you’re in Paris? Find a nice girlfriend and forget about her.”

“I cannot forget about her, she is the love of my life,” Max said. “I know it’s hard for everyone to understand and I know that she isn’t always the kindest person but I see something in her that most people don’t. She’s just hiding inside herself and I can see she’s sad about something. I think I am the one that could make her happy.”

Adèle pressed the back of her hand to her mouth and smiled. “Alright then. But don’t be closed to possibilities.”

Max got up. “I’m going to say goodbye now.”

“Alright, be back in time for lunch. Your last big lunch with us for three years! Your Aunt and Uncles will not be happy that the main man is not here.” She watched him descend down the stairs and walk out down the driveway then went inside to check dinner in the stove.

Maxwell went straight to Petits Plaisirs. Liz and Marie were sitting outside drinking coffee on the metal table. Marie smiled and waved when she saw him. Max looked a Liz, she looked stunning as usual in a pink blouse and white skirt. Her curly hair was up at the back of her head with a silver clip.

“Hello ladies,” he said as he approached them. “Mind if I take a seat?”

“No not at all,” Marie said. Liz did not say anything. “So, the big day tomorrow?”

“Yes,” he nodded, smiling. “I just came to say goodbye.” He couldn’t take her eyes of her, she was so beautiful. He wouldn’t be seeing her face again for the longest time.

Marie kicked Liz’s leg under the table and Liz groaned and looked up from the magazine she was reading. They looked at each other for a moment having an argument with their eyes. Finally, “What time are you leaving?” she asked.

“Around nine,” he answered.

Liz sipped her coffee and then licked her top lip. “You are really lucky to be getting away from here,” she said, her eyes darting back down to her magazine which she clearly found more interesting then him.

“What’s wrong with Quimperlé?” Max asked.

“Apparently it’s too small,” Marie rolled her eyes. “She’s so blind.”

Why did Max think she wasn’t just talking about this one issue? “That’s not nice,” he stood up for Liz. “We all have different tastes. I’m not sure what mine is yet, I guess I’ll soon know.”

“It will be wonderful,” Liz grumbled. “And I’m jealous.”

“Please don’t be,” he said. Marie saw that his eyes were so soft when he looked at Liz. Her heart sank. “I’m going to miss this place. The people.”

Liz looked up and saw that he was talking about her. “Oh, well chances are we’ll all still be here when you get back.”

“I hope so,” he smiled. Glancing at his watch he saw that he had to get a move on. “I’m supposed to be back for going away lunch…”

“Oh,” Marie stood up and shyly held her arms open for a hug. He rose and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll miss having you around so much Max. You have no idea. Have a great time at college.”

“Thank you, I’m sure I will,” he kissed her cheek and then turned to Liz who was still reading. Marie cleared her throat and Liz looked up.

“Oh,” she stood up and let him hug her. Max nearly fainted because she smelt so good. Her small soft body felt so good against his. He held on for a little bit too long. “Whoa, easy boy,” she pulled away and straightened her clothes. “Good luck, make the town proud.” Liz saw that he was staring at her a wee bit obsessively. “Max?”

Max couldn’t help himself, summoning the courage he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. Liz’s eyes opened wide in surprise and then not knowing what else to do, she smiled. “Right, well okay then. See ya later.” She gave his shoulder a pat awkwardly.

“Goodbye,” he said and the he looked at Marie once more. “Goodbye Marie.”

“We’ll miss you Max.” She stood waving as he walked away and then sat back down. “How come you got a kiss on the mouth huh?”

“Did you ever notice,” Liz started, “that his ears are way too big for his head?”

Marie groaned. “God you’re such a bitch.”

“Pardon me?”

“He will grow into them!” Maria insisted.

Liz laughed. “I should hope so or he’s in trouble.”

[nicola]

Two.

Two years, ten months and three days later.

“I should stay,” Marie said. “You need me right now.”

“No.” Liz shook her head.

“But you’re all by yourself.” They could see the taxi approaching from down the street.

“My cousin said he’d come and visit me when he’s finished in Poland.” Liz sat down on the seat outside her shop—careful not to crease her skirt. “I won’t be alone.”

“I’ll be gone three months tops.” Marie kissed Liz’s cheek. “Will he be here by then?”

“I imagine so,” Liz answered quietly. “Hello,” she greeted the taxi driver, “Take care of her.”

He smiled. “I’ve not had one accident.”

“That’s very good to know,” Marie said. He lifted her two suitcases into the trunk of the car and then hopped into the driver’s seat. “Well…”

“You can ring me if you’re so worried.”

“I will.” Marie stood looking at her sadly. Then—“Oh come here.” She opened her arms and hugged Liz tightly. “I’ll be back.”

“Hmm. Goodbye, love you.”

Marie was surprised. “I love you too.”

Liz stood watching until the taxi pulled away. Marie called out the window—“you think you’ll be okay not to—?”

“Yes,” Liz answered, the breeze catching on her lips.

Marie worried about her as she drove to the train station and as she handed her ticket to the ticket man. She worried about her as she sat next to the frosted window on the way to Paris and when she arrived. Eventually she gave up somewhere in-between being greeted so warmly by reception at her hotel and being led to her elegant room. Liz was a grown woman, she could look after herself.


Marie was in Paris to have her art displayed in the Musee d’art Moderne. It was on the corner of Rue Boissiere and Avenue Kléber, not too far from her hotel. Her talent had been spotted by a teacher at the old high school back in Quimperlé. She had never been much for art back when she was sixteen, seventeen, eighteen but during the last four years she’d begun painting. Liz had hung some on her work in the shop and Mrs Tautou had commented on how beautiful it was. It was she who had sent her work to Paris to be displayed.

Marie knew no one in Paris…except one person whom she had not spoken to since he had left Quimperlé three years earlier. She was desperate not to be alone, desperate not to have to dine alone. She rung the university in search of his number and they gave it to her finally after much persuasion on her part.

He answered on the fifth ring and his voice was much deeper then she remembered—she almost didn’t believe it was him! He seemed to be happy to hear from her and said it would be wonderful to have dinner. He’d meet her at 7:30, did she know of Le Rogue Vif? She had no idea where that was but nothing could stop her from finding it.

She was needed at the gallery at six and she knew she wouldn’t have time to get back to the hotel in time to get changed for dinner so she put on her most flattering, sophisticated black dress, fussed over her hair and then with her thick winter fur coat and scarf on she left the hotel. Could she help it that she could possibly still have a crush on the guy?

The lady at the gallery was impossibly friendly and couldn’t stop flattering Marie and her art work. “I just wanted you to come down and give me some idea of how you wanted the canvases positioned. I hope you didn’t dress up just for me?” her name was Vera and Marie loved her instantly.

“Actually,” Maria explained, “I have a dinner to go to afterwards with an old friend I looked up earlier.”

“Oh that’s nice, be sure to invite them to the big night next week.”

“I will thank you.”

“We better get a move on then; don’t want you to be late.” Vera and Marie decided on what art work should be displayed and where it should be put and then Marie called for a taxi to take her to…what was that place called again? Le Rogue Vif. She was late and hoped he didn’t mind, she tried to remember what she knew of him and realized he wouldn’t be. Her stomach started doing flip flops on the way there, would he look the same of completely different?

It was a cheerfully casual restaurant and when she opened the door warm, sweet smelling air wafted out and scampered down the street. The waiter took her coat and scarf and then led her to a table where he was waiting with an inviting smile on his lips. “Marie,” he stood up and opened his arms to her for a hug.

“Max,” she accepted his embrace and his sweet kiss on her cheek. “Max, you look so different!”

“I do?” he seemed genuinely surprised. “I feel no different. You look…beautiful, stunning. How are you?”

“I’m…good, really,” she couldn’t stop smiling. Who was this man in front of her? When he left he had been a boy, a beautiful boy, now he was a handsome, tall, well dressed man. His hair was shorter and his skin and eyes seemed darker, older. His shoulders were broader; his neck now had the typical Adam’s apple that had been missing in his adolescence. “Please forgive me for being late, I was held up.”

“That is fine, please take a seat,” he pulled the chair out for her and then sat opposite her. “You never told me on the phone what made you come to Paris.”

Marie told him all about her new career as an artist and the gallery that was to hold her artwork. She finished with, “But I don’t want to talk about me, what about you? What have you been doing with yourself? How is College treating you?”

Max told her that he had majored in commerce and he had already been offered a job as a junior marketing manager in a major corporation in London that he hoped to one day be the CEO of. “After I graduate next month I was planning to come home for three months before taking the job offer.”

“Wow,” Marie said. “You’re really doing what you set out for, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” he answered. “You could say that.”

As the evening went on and dessert was served Marie found herself saying, “You haven’t asked about Liz.” She had been wondering if he would all night.

“I haven’t, no,” he said and sipped his wine.

“You’ve wanted to?” she asked, her heart sinking. Please don’t tell me you still love her, she begged silently.

He shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

“Have you thought of her much in the last couple of years?” she asked. Her dessert was so good otherwise the twisting of her stomach would have kept her from finishing it.

“Not too much,” he answered quietly. “Since you have brought her up, you may as well tell me what she has been up to. Still in Quimperlé?”

“Yes,” Marie leaned back into her chair and crossed her legs. “Although…she is a lot different from what you’d remember.”

“Different?” he swallowed. “Different how?”

“Max, her mother died in July,” Marie said.

“Oh no.”

“Liz hasn’t been the same since. She still owns the shop, lives there by herself. She’s…I don’t know…quieter, more distanced, inside herself.” Marie was the one to swallow now. “I look after her the best I can.”

“That is very kind of you.” Max said. She couldn’t read his expression.

“She doesn’t seem to care for anything anymore. You remember how she used to dream of getting out of Normandie? Well now she seems entrenched in Quimperlé. She hasn’t had a boyfriend since…” Marie suddenly didn’t want to talk about Liz anymore. “Speaking of boyfriends and girlfriends. How is your love life?” She’d had enough to drink now and wasn’t afraid of asking.

“At the moment? Nothing fantastic,” he laughed. She noticed his lips thinned when he smiled and his eyes lit up. It was a beautiful sight.

“At the moment?” Marie wiggled her eyebrows. “So the little dorky Max Evans who left Quimperlé has most definitely become a man?”

“You could say that,” he said. He was cool and collected and mature, to Marie he seemed utterly perfect. “Have you seen my family around? They come and visit me at Christmas, and they phone me all the time.”

“Yes, Nicola has become quite the little girl. Amélie…well, what can I say about her?”

“I know, don’t say anything.” He rolled his eyes.

They realized it was time to say goodbye when eleven-thirty passed and the restaurant wanted to close. “Do you have any classes tomorrow?” Marie asked.

“Yes,” he said. “One at noon.”

“Then I apologise for keeping you up,” Marie smiled and pulled on her coat. Once they were outside he called a taxi for her.

“I’ll walk.” He kissed her cheek. She was disappointed he hadn’t kissed her lips. “We have to see each other again before you go.”

“Of course, and you must come to my art opening next week.” She didn’t want to say goodbye.

“I wouldn’t miss it. Goodbye Marie.”

“Goodbye.”

…………………………….

Marie had just finished talking to Liz on the phone and was going to have a bath. She pulled off her tank top and briefs then slipped into the lavender water, allowing it to unravel her muscles. It had been four days since she had left and though she did not like to admit it, she was worrying about her friend obsessively.

With her feet out of the water and resting crossed at the ankles on the side of the tub she started to flick through a magazine to try and forget. Half way through an article on ‘Applying the perfect make up’ when the telephone started to ring. She let out a loud groan. “Oh go away! Go away!”

Reluctantly she tugged a towel around her body and tiptoed across the carpet to the phone. “Hello?”

“This is the front desk; a gentleman named Max Evans is on the line for you do you accept the call?”

“Yes!” Marie chirped and fought the urge to do a happy dance.

“Marie?” Max asked.

“Max! Hi,” she fell back onto the sofa and propped her feet up on the coffee table. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s Friday night and you’re home?” he asked.

”I am, yes,” she answered. “As you know, I have no one here in Paris.”

“Except me. I’m going to Le Café de l’Industrie with a few friends from school, would you like to come?” he asked. “I’d hate to think of you all alone in your hotel room all night.”

“Are your friends nice?” she asked.

“Of course,” he answered. “We can pick you up, Egil has a car.”

“Alright, give me half an hour?”

“See you soon.”

Marie was frantically running around her room trying to dress as best as she could before they arrived. There was a knock at her door at nine-thirty and there was Max, smiling welcomingly. “Ready?” he asked.

“Sure,” she pulled on her coat and zipped her boots. “It was really nice of you to invite me. I’d hate to intrude.”

“No way, they wanted to meet you,” he put his hand on her lower back and led her down the hall. “Just think of my friends as your friends.”


Quick Note: This is a Max and Liz story...I promise
Thankyou for your feedback

[nicola]

Three.

“This is Leala, Fleur, Telo, Yannich and Chandler,” Max introduced Marie to some of his friends and then took her coat for her. “Guys, this is Marie.”

Marie smiled, “hi everyone.”

“Take a seat Marie,” Telo said. “There’s room next to me.”

Fleur slapped the back of her boyfriends head. “Telo! If you’re going to flirt, at least don’t do it in front of me.” She huffed. “No—wait a minute, you shouldn’t be flirting at all.”

”I was just being friendly,” he feigned innocence.

Marie glanced at Max questioningly. “Maybe I should just sit over here…” she plopped down on a wooden chair near Leala and glanced around nervously.

“Don’t worry, we’re all harmless,” Chandler whispered to her. “It’s nice to meet you.” He shook her hand. “Max told us you’ve got some art work going up in old Musee d’art Moderne. Well done. You must be pretty good. Max?”

“Hmm, actually I haven’t ever seen any of her work,” Max said. “What can I get you to drink Marie?”

“What are you having?” she asked.

“A beer?”

“Sounds good.”

When he was gone she realized all of his friends eyes were on her. She bit her lip nervously. “So…”

They waited.

“Graduation soon, you all must be pretty excited.” She crossed her legs and then uncrossed them, crossing her arms.

“Actually, it’s only Chandler, Yannich and Fleur who are graduating this year,” Leala explained. “The rest of us are only in our second year. Want some nuts?” she lifted the small dish from the table and held it out to her.

Marie shook her head. “No thanks.” She’d heard that a test had been done on bar nuts and they were about as dirty as a public urinal because seventy percent of people used the toilet without washing their hands and then dug their paws into the bowl. And they sat there for days. She watched the students around her eating them and wanted to tell them this fact but she didn’t think they’d like her much if she did.

“Here you go…” She let out a breath of relief when Max came back. He scooted in next to Leala and his thigh brushed hers. She caught his eyes and smiled.

“Thank you.”

She loosened up after a few drinks and managed to enjoy Max’s friends company. Telo was the comedian; some times he made her laugh so hard her stomach hurt. He was attractive too, Fleur was a lucky girl.

It was near two in the morning when everyone started to leave. Marie and Max remained behind sitting at the bar next to an older couple who were smoking obsessively. They ended up moving further down so they wouldn’t have to endure the smell.

“Are you looking forward to going home Max?”

“God yes,” he said. “I can’t wait. Do you want another?”

“I’ll pay,” she refused his generosity. “You’ve bought me enough tonight.” He opened his mouth to argue but she stopped him, “I’m serious.”

“Okay.” He shook his head and held his hands up. “Who am I to argue with a lady?”

They were silent for a moment and then, “Max…back in Quimperlé three years ago, I used to like you a lot.” She saw no point in holding it in, the only reason she’d never told him three years ago was because of Liz.

“But you said yourself I was dorky,” he laughed. Marie studied his face when he wasn’t looking at her.

“Dorky but nice,” she said. When he turned his gaze to her she added, “I had the hugest crush.”

His eyes widened slightly in surprise but he didn’t look away.

“I know it’s silly, I’m much older then you, having a crush is so…juvenile…” she trailed her finger around the ring left of the counter from her glass. Sucking in a deep breath she finished, “But nevertheless I really liked you.”

“And now?” he asked quietly with gentle wonder.

She tilted her head to the side, let out a little chortle then sipped her beer. His eyes remained on her. Finally her head bucked forward slightly in a nod.

All that passed from his sensuous lips was a faltering, “Oh.”

Gaining some confidence, she put down her glass and leaned forward. He looked at her, not offering a word of rejection even though she hesitated, waiting for one. Then she pressed her mouth to his in a passionate kiss. His lips felt exactly how she expected them to, gentle but demanding at the same time. He tasted of beer and something else, something uniquely him.

When she pulled away she smiled nervously at him then reached for her drink and had a quick sip. He stared at her for a moment in silence.

“I had no idea,” he finally said.

“I know you didn’t.” Marie tucked her blonde hair behind her ears. “And I can tell you why.”

He just nodded and reached for the bar nuts.

She put her hand over his. “Do yourself a favour—don’t eat those.”

……………..

Max was unsure what to do. He was sitting at his desk in his dorm and in his hand was a pen. He’d been writing a letter to his mother about the date of his graduation so she could come and visit with his sisters. However, that was not what he was thinking about.

On his mind was Marie. Marie was wonderful, she was good company, she was sweet, she was beautiful and anyone would believe she was a great catch. Max just didn’t know if she was the right catch for him. It was clear what Marie wanted from him and though it was tempting…something held him back. More like someone.

She was Liz’s best friend. Not just anyone’s best friend but Liz’s. His teenage love, the woman whom he only scarcely thought about now but yet still plagued him. How was it possible to still feel for someone after three years of absence and whom had never returned his feelings?

He was insane to still have her as an obstacle in his life. He had had many girlfriends since he had left his hometown and had even been with one of them seven months last year. Liz had never stopped him from getting involved with any of them but they did not know Liz, they did not know he had loved Liz and she had broken his adolescent heart.

Max was supposed to be leaving shortly for Marie’s art gallery opening. He knew tonight he would have to determine whether he would let something come of Marie’s feelings for him. He knew he could feel for her, it would be easy to, she was a lovable person.

Getting up from the chair, Max quickly tugged on a sweater and changed his pants. He’d called for a taxi to come at eight and it was two-to-eight now. After grabbing his wallet off the bedside table and tucking it in the back pocket of his pants, he hurried down the hall, saying a quick hello to his room mate as he was heading up the stairs.

“Where you off to?” Chandler asked.

“Marie’s gallery opening,” he said.

“Oh yeah, that girl…can I come?”

“Are you ready now?” Max asked, slowing his footsteps.

“Sure are, is there food at this thing?” They both hurried down to the street where the taxi driver was waiting impatiently.

“Hi, how are’ya?” Max greeted the driver. “Musee d’art Moderne please.”

“So? If not food, there’s piss right?” Chandler asked.

Max shook his head and laughed. “Yes, alright?”

The gallery was quite busy and Max could not see Marie anywhere. Chandler went to get them a drink and he stood admiring one of Marie’s paintings. It was abstract, not what he personally liked, but it was clear she was talented.

A voice came from behind him. “Hi, you made it. I’m so glad.”

He turned around. She looked fantastic in a white glittery gown. “Marie, you’ve out done yourself.”

She kissed his cheek. “Why thank you. So you like it?”

“Yes, it’s great.”

“We’re talking about the painting right?” she winked.

“Yes, but you look…incredible,” he flattered her. “Would you like to show me around or are you too busy?”

“No of course, follow me.” Her hair was up elegantly and her dress had no back to it. This gave him an opportunity to admire her figure when she walked in front of him.

“Wait for me,” Chandler said.

“Oh,” Marie said. “Hello.”

“Marie, you remember Chandler? I didn’t think you’d mind if he tagged along.” Max put his hand on the warm skin of her lower back.

“No of course not. It’s good to see you again Chandler,” she smiled politely. “Please, join us. I was just going to show Max around.”

“Thanks.” As Chandler walked past Max he whispered, “Hot damn!”

Max smiled in agreement.

Marie introduced them to Vera who was standing with a group of people near the entrance. She thanked them for coming and told them to help themselves to beverages and snacks.

“She was nice,” Max commented as they walked away.

“She’s fantastic,” Marie told him. “I love her.”

Max and Chandler had to entertain themselves for a while because Marie kept getting called away to discuss “artsy” things with other people. Eventually Max told her that he and Chandler should really get going now.

“Oh,” she seemed disappointed. “Alright then. Will you call me?”

“Yes, tomorrow. Congratulations Marie, this all is great.”

“Thank you.”
…………………………………..

Max saw Marie again a couple of days later because she rung and asked him to have lunch with her. They went where she wanted this time. “I saw this place yesterday when I went for a walk. I think it’s the most beautiful thing. It’s my new favourite place in Paris.”

Max couldn’t see what she liked so much about it but he smiled at said that everyone had their one good place. The café had pink walls and white chairs and table clothes. The waitresses wore pink and white chequered uniforms.

Marie said, “It reminds me of his grandmother,” and then Max understood. “So where’s your one good place?”

“In Quimperlé,” he answered. “I won’t tell you where, it’s a secret.”

She rolled her eyes, “Well that’s hardly fair.”

“Sorry.”

They went for a walk in the Versailles Palace gardens afterwards bundled in their big coats and scarves and hats. Marie thought Max looked gorgeous in his black beanie. She told him so.

After a short silence Max started to say, “Look Marie…”

She shook her head and silenced him. “I can forget the whole thing if you want me to. I’m sorry I kissed you, I shouldn’t have done that.”

“I…I’m glad you did,” he admitted, not completely sure he meant his words but deciding to say it anyway. “I think…if you want to, we may as well give this a go.”

“This?”

“Us,” he corrected. Hoping that later he wouldn’t be eating his words.

She tried to be cool, calm, collected but it didn’t work. A stunning smile crossed her face. “Really?” she asked.

“Sure.” They stopped walking and looked at one another. “Paris is the place for romance isn’t it?”

“But you’ll only be in Paris for a couple of weeks!” she laughed.

“That’s a shame.” He touched her cheek and leaned in and kissed her romantically. When he pulled back he said, “Let’s go, before we freeze to death out here.”

For the next week Max and Marie saw each other a couple of times and Max did not have a moment to regret his decision to be with her. She was a great person; he cared for her dearly and hoped he could love her eventually.

The next week he was to leave for Quimperlé, the day after his graduation and his mother and sisters were coming on to see him. They would leave together and then Marie would come back two weeks after that when she was done with her art business. Max knew that his family liked Marie, especially Nicola and knew they would approve of their relationship—which was very important to him.

On the Saturday night he walked Marie home after they’d just been to the cinema and had dessert. They stood at the door of the lobby and he kissed her goodbye and she kept kissing him and kissing him and then, “Max, would you like to come up stairs?”

Max thought about it for a moment. It was only a brief moment, because he did in fact want to go up. “Alright,” he said, taking her hand. “I’ll come up.”





I don't need to tell you how much I didn't like writing this part and I'm sure you won't like it either but I give you my word that it WILL get better!!!! Maybe the banner will make up for the part? Eh, maybe?

Holds hands up: Don't hate me!

[nicola]

Four.

When the bell jingled over the shop door Liz pushed herself up from the sofa chair and put down the bowl of hot chocolate on the coffee table. She’d gotten rid of the beaded curtain that hung separating the back room from the shop because she’d never liked that thing; it was her mother who had insisted they keep it there. Liz hung a sheer satin white curtain there now. That was just one of the many things that were different now.

“Good morning,” she smiled when she saw who it was. “Mrs Evans, how are you?”

“Oh Liz, I’m great,” Adèle answered. “And you look lovely as usual.”

Liz brushed her hands on her apron and smiled modestly. “Thank you, that’s really kind. How can I help you this morning?” Outside she could see that the sun was shinning, a nice change from the wintry weather they’d had lately.

“Ice cream,” Adèle answered with a grin.

“Ice cream?” Liz asked. “I suppose I shouldn’t judge but isn’t it a bit early…?”

“Yes, yes of course it is,” Adèle agreed. “It’s for Wednesday evening. I need it in a tub.”

Liz nodded. “Of course. Which flavour would you like?”

“Max’s favourite,” she said. Liz waited dumbly. Was she expected to know his favourite? “Oh,” Adèle rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry—caramel swirl. You must have forgotten it’s been so long.”

“Yes, I apologise.” While Liz fetched the tub she asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, what is the special occasion on Wednesday? I’ll put two and two together and say, Max is finally coming home?”

“Finally?” Adèle asked, intrigued. “Well, yes he is. He graduates on Tuesday.”

“Wow,” Liz said. “That’s great.”

“Marie’s coming back two weeks later,” Adèle explained.

Liz stopped. Marie? Did she miss something? What did Marie have to do with anything? “Yes, I know, I spoke to her yesterday.” She popped the tub of ice cream into the paper bag and sealed it.

“I think she and Max make the best pair,” Adèle went on, “I’m so glad they got together. She is such a lovely girl.”

“Pardon?” Liz asked, surprised.

Adèle frowned. “Oh you didn’t know?”

“Know what exactly?” Liz couldn’t believe it.

“Max and Marie have been seeing each other,” Adèle said. “She didn’t tell you?”

“No,” Liz answered, thinking: Why that little…!

Adèle paid for the ice cream and picked up the bag. “Well, I must admit I’m rather happy about it. Max needed a nice girlfriend.”

“He did?” she asked. “Well surely he’s had them in Paris?”

“Yes, but I’ve always liked Marie,” Adèle headed for the door. “I’ll see you later Liz. Thank you and take care of yourself.”

“Goodbye.”

…………………………………………

In the morning Max extracted himself from Marie, not having time to enjoy having her in bed with him. He wrote a quick note to apologize for leaving without saying goodbye but he had a celebration breakfast to attend. He got dressed and called a cab then hurried out so he would be on time.

When Marie woke up it was because of the telephone shrieking at her. “Hello?” she mumbled tiredly, wondering where Max was. She saw his note and started to read it.

“Marie! I am your best friend! Does that mean nothing to you?”

“Liz?” Marie asked, suddenly wide awake. “Didn’t I speak to you yesterday?”

“Yes but clearly that meant nothing to you. How long have you been seeing Max Evans and why on earth did you not tell me?” her voice sounded hurt.

Marie sat up and rubbed her temples. “I’m sorry; I don’t know why I didn’t tell you.”

There was a pause. Then, “Marie…what? Do you think I wouldn’t be happy for you? Of course I am—I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t—”

“I didn’t tell you because it’s Max,” Marie mumbled.

Softly, patiently, not understanding, Liz asked, “What about him?”

Marie swallowed, “He used to be in love with you.”

Liz thought, but that would only be an issue if I loved him. Which I don’t. He was too young for me then and it isn’t any different now.

Marie was getting fidgety. “I guess I am just worried he’ll fall in love with you again when he sees you. I won’t be back for another two weeks and…”

“Marie, why would he be with you if he wasn’t over me?” Liz asked. She was more confused now then before. “I think you should be talking to him about this, not me.”

She didn’t want to talk about this anymore. “You haven’t had a drink have you?”

Liz sighed. “No, of course not.”

“I have to go,” Marie suddenly needed to talk to Max. “I’m sorry, I didn’t tell you. Goodbye.”

Before Liz could reply Marie hung up. She went to have a shower and then called Max at his dorm room. “Max, do you still think about Liz?” was the first thing she asked, even before a hello.

Max took a while to reply, “Marie, why don’t you come over? We’ll go for a walk.”

That was not a good sign. Marie met him outside his dorm building; he was leaning against the brick wall when she got there. They walked.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, looking at the ground.

Marie felt silly and before she opened her mouth and made him think she was silly too, she stopped walking. “Last night was really great,” she said.

Max didn’t think that was what she wanted to talk about. But he wasn’t going to admit that what she was really worrying about, he was worrying about too. “I think so too.” She was silent and finally, annoyed, he said, “Marie, I’m with you. You have nothing to worry about,” he said. “Really.” She didn’t look convinced. Oh for heavens sake, he thought. He didn’t want to have this talk; he wasn’t prepared for it. He was too busy trying to decide himself what would happen when he got back home. “All I can tell you is I like you, and I want to keep seeing you. I hope that’s enough.”

Marie thought about it. “It’s enough.” And if it’s not, I’ll make it enough.

The next day Adèle, Nicola and Isabelle arrived, and then the next day he graduated. It was a great day with plenty of celebration and drinks and food. When it was time to leave Paris he hugged and kissed Marie at the train station.

“I’ll see you in a couple of weeks,” she said. “Be good until then.”

“When am I anything but good?” he smirked. “I’ll call you when you aren’t busy.”

“Alright.”

Adèle said goodbye to Marie and Nicola, all eight years of her, leaned out the window of the train and waved frantically as they zoomed away. “We’ll see you Marie-pie. You’ll be here for my birthday, yes?”

“Yes Nicola, I won’t miss it,” Marie called and blew her a kiss.

…………………………………

Home. Max stepped into his old room that almost felt foreign to him. He dropped his bag on the bed and looked around, unsure what to do with himself.

“It’s exactly the same,” Adèle said from behind him. Max looked at her in the doorway.

“I see that,” he said. “And it’s clean.”

“Well, we couldn’t have you coming back to a dirty, dusty room now could we?” she fixed the tie on her cardigan tighter around her. “Amélie put on dinner so it’ll be ready soon. I got some of your favourite ice cream to go with dessert.”

Max smiled. “That’s really great mom, thanks.”

“You should get some rest,” and then, remembering he was twenty two she added, “if you like.”

“I think I will, it’ll be nice to sleep in my old lumpy bed,” he grinned. “Wake me up when you want.”

“Alright.”

For the next three days he amused himself with his sisters. Amélie had a serious boyfriend that didn’t seem to leave for the whole time. He had no right to say anything because Amélie was now eighteen, but he thought her boyfriend was a fucking ass.

“When did she start seeing him anyway?” Max asked when he was helping his mother in the kitchen.

“About five months ago,” Adèle rolled her eyes. “They are moving in together. They want to get married.”

“Not if I can help it,” he said.

“Max,” his mother sighed. “I think its best that you stay out of it.”

Max didn’t want to, but he did what his mother told him to. He taught himself to clench his teeth when all he really wanted to do was rip the guy’s balls off.

“Max, I forgot to give this to you,” Nicola said. “I drew it for you to hang on your wall.”

“What is it?” Max was sitting on the couch drinking coffee and watching the news. Looking at the drawing, he felt enormous love spread through him. On the top of a drawn picture of him in his graduation uniform it said, Wellcum hom! “Nicola, thank you. I love it. Come give me a hug.” She still felt so little in his arms. “I’ll hang it up when I’m finished my drink.”

“No. I’ll go hang it up for you now.”

“Okay.” He watched her go and then gulped down his coffee. Amélie was in her bedroom with her boyfriend, doing God knows what. Isabelle was with a friend and his mom was at work. He was bored. As much as he loved being around his family again there was only so many days you could spend around the house without fresh air and exercise.

He got up. He had to go out before he strangled himself. Nicola came pattering down the stairs again, “I’m going for a walk, would you like to come?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, it’s cold.”

“You can wear a jacket,” he said.

“Yeah, I don’t want to.”

Amélie came out of her room when he was pulling on his jacket. “Going somewhere?” she asked.

“Yeah, just for a walk.”

“Can you get me and Antoine some chocolate?” she licked her lips. “I’m really craving some. You have no idea. I think I’m going to get my period.”

Max blinked. Why did she tell him that? “Ah, okay. Look after your sister.” He didn’t want to get Antoine anything but he also didn’t want her to start talking about her period again so he quickly left.

He walked with his hands in his pockets into town and on the way he realized to get chocolate he would have to go to Liz’s store. He wasn’t entirely sure that was a good idea, he wanted to avoid seeing her. Maybe there was somewhere else he could go? No, no one else’s chocolate was as good.

He’d have to see her again sometime.

When he got there, there was a customer at the counter but he didn’t care because all he saw was Liz. She looked exactly the same, if not better. He sucked in a breath and she looked up. Max saw her emotions pass over her face, what was it…surprise? Shock? Yes and yes.

Liz finished serving her customer and she was very aware of Max’s eyes on her as she did it. When they left she looked up at him (nervously?) How bizarre.

“Max?” The customer was Joan, an old school mate of his. “Hi! You’re back. You look great.”

“Thanks,” he said. “How are you?”

“I’m great. I have a daughter now,” she said, nodding. “How was college?”

“It was great,” he said. “A daughter, wow.”

“Yeah, thanks.” She paused. “I don’t want to hold you up. It was great to see you again but I have to get going.”

“Alright, bye.” When he looked away from Joan he saw Liz was looking at him

“Max Evans,” she said with a smile.

“Élisabeth Parker,” he replied and she liked the way he said it.



I didn't want to leave you guys hanging after the last part I wrote and also this story seems to be leaking out of me lately, I can't stop writing it. I hope you liked that part, from this point on, things should start looking up! Oh, and I have to say a thank you to Rebacca for taking the time to write out such a long message for me! Thank you and, just how many french readers do I have on here? I am obsessed with France, I've never been there but it's my life dream. I'm learning French right now, lol. Comment allez-vous?

[nicola]

Five.

They both leaned in so Liz could kiss Max's cheeks.

“You look good Liz,” he said.

“I could say the same thing for you,” she answered. “Very grown up.”

“I really don’t feel any different,” he told her. “I see you’ve changed the name of the shop.”

“Yes,” she smiled. She was having trouble keeping her eyes off him. He looked so much older, so much more sophisticated. Not so dorky. “I always hated the old name. Marie wanted me to call it Lizzies Lollies but I refused.”

“I like the new name better.” It was now “Sweety bag”. The shop was a little different from what he remembered. She was a little different from what he remembered. “I heard about your mother, I’m really sorry.” His eyes roamed from her sneaker covered feet to her clipped up hair. She did look older, but not by much.

Liz swallowed and Max watched her cheerful expression suddenly fall to the ground and scatter away. “Thank you.”

He had his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “I’m here to buy chocolate for my sister and her boyfriend,” he changed the subject not wanting to upset her. “He’s an ass.”

Liz looked at him and smiled. There was loneliness and sadness in her eyes even when she smiled. It hadn’t been there before, or maybe he just hadn’t noticed it. He couldn’t help but think that the part of her he’d always known to be there had finally come out.

“All big brothers think that about their little sister’s boyfriends,” she said.

“Who told you that?” he asked.

“It’s a well known fact,” she shrugged. “What kind of chocolate would you like?”

“Oh, hell, I don’t know…” he rolled his eyes. “Just pick your favourite.”

“Alright then. But you must tell me,” she said, “what’s college like?” She grabbed a bar of chocolate from the shelf behind her and ripped the wrapping. Before Max could ask what she was doing she instructed, “Taste this. I figure if you’re going to buy chocolate for your sister and her boyfriend, you may as well get something out of it.”

He smiled and broke a small piece off. Liz had some too. “Well?” she asked.

He let it melt on his tongue. “It’s good. Is coconut your favourite?”

“Yes and just good? My mothers famous recipe is not just good.” She cleared her throat. “And you haven’t answered my question yet.”

“I forgot it,” he grinned. “The chocolate was too good; it destroyed all other paths of thought.”

She chuckled. “Now, I know you’re just humouring me. What’s college like? I missed the opportunity to go.”

“It’s…busy,” he answered. “But good. I met masses of remarkable people that I’ll be friends with for life. I’m so glad I went. I suppose Marie told you I got offered a job in London?”

“Oh, yes Marie. I almost forgot I had to tease you for that,” she pointed her finger at him. “I hope you have only the best intentions for her.” It felt strangely hollow to say that. “And, no she did not tell me about anything, we have barely spoken. She didn’t even tell me about you and her, I had to find out from your mother when she was buying caramel swirl ice cream—apparently your favourite. We have something in common.”

A customer came in the store and Max moved aside so she could be served first. He realized he was in no hurry to leave—or was that, he didn’t want to leave? Oh no, he thought. What was he doing?

When the person left he quickly explained about his job in London and then said he had to go.

“Oh?” she asked. “Alright then. Did you want the coconut chocolate?”

”Yes, that would be great. Better get two blocks,” he said. He tapped his fingers against the counter. He had to leave now.

Liz put the two large blocks of chocolate in a bag and sealed it. He paid her and before he left Liz spoke again, “It was nice to see you again Max. You really have changed a lot, I must admit.”

“You too,” he said and nearly choked on the words. He wanted to add extremely but couldn’t.

“I hope to see you again.” When he was outside he mentally cursed himself, oh no, he thought, not again.

Back inside, Liz was watching him walk away. All she could think of the new Max Evans was wow.
……………………………

“Well, have you seen him yet?” Marie was on the phone to Liz a couple of days later. Liz was sitting back in her little lounge room, watching the television quietly.

“Yes, I saw him alright. Was he always so…”

“Drop dead gorgeous?” Marie asked. “No, not always. But he is now, right?”

“I’ll admit, he’s not unfortunate looking,” she said. “Paris agrees with him.” Liz thought back to his smiling eyes fondly.

“He looks even better naked,” Marie told her.

Liz almost fainted. “Excuse me?” she sat up straight. “You haven’t—you know with him, have you?”

“Yes,” Marie laughed. “Don’t sound so shocked.”

Liz was silent for several minutes. “I’m happy for you.”

“I knew you would be, and I’m sorry again I never told you about us.”

“That’s all right,” Liz rubbed her forehead. She felt as if she was going to die an old maid alone in Quimperlé. “Marie…the thing is I never even knew you liked him.”

”What are you talking about? I always liked him.”

Liz tried to remember back three years ago. “Oh…come to think about it…” how could she have been so blind? “Of course you did!”

“Duh,” Marie said. “I have to go now. Don’t go being too charming around him; I don’t want him falling for you again.”

“Marie,” Liz told her sternly, “he was so clearly smitten about being with you. You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure my time for a chance with him has long gone. When I mentioned your name he got this love sick expression on his face.”

“Oh, I’m so sure.” Marie snorted. “Don’t lie. I have some good news, eight of a possible thirteen of my paintings have been sold and another art gallery offered to house my art work on a permanent basis if I were to make Paris my stable home.”

“Marie that’s fantastic!” Liz exclaimed. “What are you going to do? You have to take up their offer.”

“I don’t know if I want to live in Paris, I don’t know anyone here. I’m still coming back to Quimperlé in a week. Oh—crap, look at the time. I have to go. I’ll talk to you about this later.”

Liz thought that Marie always seemed to be leaving in such a hurry lately. She wanted to do something special for her when she got back—maybe she could organize a party on the beach? Something to congratulate her on her success. Maybe she should ask Max if he wanted to help her plan it.

………………………

The weather took a drastic and peculiar change in the next few days. It went from practically snowing to boiling, infuriating heat that was impossible to escape. The members of Quimperlé who were able spent all their time on the beach and at the lake swimming their hearts out. Liz sat inside her store, with her fan on full, watching enviously as the kids ran past in their togs with their towels draped over their shoulders.

She was worried the chocolate would melt but there wasn’t anything she could do about it. As a constant source of relief, she bent her head down inside the ice cream freezer and closed her eyes. Her foot flung up behind her in satisfaction and she bent forward further hoping to cool her upper body too, her nose was practically in the large sticky tubs. She was doing this when the door opened and Nicola and Isabelle ran in. She sprung up, surprised and whacked her head on the door. “Ow! Oh Christ!” Max soon followed his sisters, making sure to pass her a perplexed look.

“What are you doing?” Isabelle asked, before he could.

Liz quickly straightened out and slammed the freezer door. “Oh—just”—she muttered under her breath—“wishing to be someplace cold.” They all wore the same bewildered expression on their faces, it was clear they were related. “How are you all on this very hot day?”

“Great,” Nicola chirped. “Liz have you heard that this is the hottest Quimperlé has been in five years?”

“I could certainly believe it,” Liz said and handed her a little chocolate. “This is something new I came up with, tell me what you think and then I might think about selling it.”

“Can I try too?” Isabelle asked.

“Of course,” Liz said and handed her a small piece. “Max, would you like one too?” When she looked up, she found him staring at her and got a small fluttering feeling in her stomach. “Well?”

“No, thank you,” he cleared his throat and looked away. “We’re here for—ice cream.”

“Max just brought us crépes too,” Nicola said enthusiastically.

“You sound like you’re being treated,” Liz smiled. “Lucky you. I suppose you’re going for a swim too, while I’m stuck in here?”

“Actually, we are,” Max said. “But now I feel bad about it.”

She walked towards the ice cream freezer. “No don’t—maybe I’ll go swimming tonight after I close up.”

“You shouldn’t swim alone,” Isabelle said. “That’s dangerous.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Cone or cup?”

Isabelle wanted fat-free ice cream in a cup and Nicola wanted a cone with strawberry. Max wanted a cone of, “let me guess—caramel swirl?” he nodded, smiling.

“Since when do you only eat fat free?” Max asked his sister.

“Since, I started to get fat,” she chirped.

“You’re not—” he rolled his eyes, “fat.” Outside on the window he noticed a small sign. “You’re looking for someone to work for you?”

“Yeah,” Liz shrugged and handed Nicola a cone of ice cream. “Now that Marie’s gone I am here all the time, I’d like to have a break occasionally.”

“Oh!” Isabelle chirped. “Can I work here? Mom’s been nagging me to find a job. She wants me to work at the book store with her but I don’t want to.”

“Well, I don’t know,” Liz teased. “You might have to have an interview.”

“Alright,” she said.

“Come and see me tomorrow afternoon around lunch when it’s not busy,” Liz told her. Just after Max had paid and they were leaving she suddenly remembered Marie’s party, “Oh! Max, I almost forgot—”

He turned and looked at her. “Yes?”

“Marie—I don’t know if she told you about the art gallery that offered her—”

He cut her off before she finished. “Yes, she told me. I talk to her every day,” he said. Liz cringed; of course you do she wanted to say.

“Well, I was thinking maybe it would be a good idea to throw her a party, to congratulate her when she gets back.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“I’ll talk to you about it another time,” she could see his sisters getting restless.

“Alright. Bye Liz.”

Max thought about how much Liz had changed when he sat watching his sisters swim. She was nothing like the woman he remembered leaving three years earlier. He realized he liked her better now. She wasn’t so self-orientated and was friendlier. He supposed it had been her mother’s death that had changed her, or maybe it was just growing older? Everyone kept telling him he was largely different but he couldn’t see it, maybe it was the same for her?

Max didn’t have feelings for the Liz he knew back then. He feared that maybe he had feelings for this new, kind Liz. Now there was the possibility of falling for her in a completely different way. The feelings he had had for her before—they had been juvenile and unreal. He was older now, things were different. She was different.

She hadn’t shown any interest in him then and he doubted things would change now. He needed to give up on her, but why was it so hard? Perhaps it was the sadness in her lately, his heart told him that she was lonely and needed to be comforted. He couldn’t help feeling as though it was his job to look after her even though he had no right to interfere.

It was time he left her alone.

***

You guys are hilarious, thank you so much for that. And I hope you liked the new part... Oh! And I promise you that it won't be too angsty.

[nicola]

6.

Liz had closed the shop for the afternoon because it was just too hot and nobody was out doing anything, let alone buying from her. She was just locking the doors when she heard a voice behind her,

“My sister is just dying to know if she got the job.”

She turned around and found Max smirking at her. With her hands on her hips she told him, “Of course she got the job, who else could have got it?”

“No other offers?” Max asked.

“Oh, well, yes, naturally,” she put her sunglasses on. “But, Isabelle blew them all away. You can tell her that.”

“I’ll be sure to.” He was wearing light grey shorts and a blue t-shirt that stuck to him because of the heat. Liz thought that his personality wasn’t the only thing that had matured—but then scolded herself for thinking it afterwards.

“Did you want something from inside or—?” she reached for the door handle again. “Because I can get it for you.”

“No, no, no,” he said. “I’m just…strolling around. Filling time. Going from busy college to slow Quimperlé is a shock to the system.”

“I can only imagine,” she replied.

Max had broken his new rule of staying away from Liz Parker. He had realized that getting over her would be like sticking the pin back in a grenade in hopes it wouldn’t blow up in your hands. He knew he had to end it with Marie, it wasn’t fair to her. “Where are you off to?” he asked.

“Church,” she said and then quickly added, “It’s cold there.”

“Oh, right. I remember.” He paused and then, “Would you mind if I joine—oh, never mind, you probably want to be alone. I understand. I’ll go…” Remembering once upon a time when he’d asked her the very same thing and her refusal.

“I’d like the company,” she told him, smiling at his shyness. “Really. You can help me plan Marie’s party.”

“Oh that, I remember.” They headed off across the court yard. “When did you start going to church anyway?”

“When my mother and I first arrived in Quimperlé she made me go with her for the first couple of weeks. I hated it but I learnt that it was always so freezing inside them, even when it was hot outside. And so it went, next time I just couldn’t bear the heat…I went to church. Kind of a tradition for me.”

“Anytime?” he asked. “Do they not mind you there?”

“No,” she said. “And if they do, I’ll just say I’m praying to the good lord almighty.”

Max laughed and she realized with disbelief that it made her heart leap.

After a short, slightly awkward silence Liz said, “You’ll have to learn English if you are going to live in London.”

“I know English a little,” Max told her. “Because my father is British he taught me.”

“The weather is scorching,” Liz said in English. “Do you understand what I am saying to you?”

“Yes,” he spoke back, “only little.”

“It’s: only A little.,” she corrected him. It felt good to be speaking in English again, she told him that and then, still in English said, “I want to have Marie’s party on the beach..”

Max took a moment to understand. “The beach good place.” They walked along a dirt road with tall trees on either side. The trees acted like a roof over them and the shade offered a little relief from the heat.

Liz laughed. “Is a good place.”

“Yes. Is that not what I said?” he asked, embarrassed.

She laughed louder and went back to French. “Max you’re very French. You need a little work.”

“I’m a fast learner,” he told her. “We learnt English at school too.”

They reached the stone church and walked inside, taking a seat half way down the isle. The sun was shinning on the stained glass windows casting waves of colour all over the tiled floor.

“It’s beautiful, no?” Max asked.

“Yes,” she told him. Liz crossed her legs but they stuck together so she placed them apart again and kicked off her leather thongs. She wanted to ask him something but she didn’t know if she would like to know the answer.

“My sister is moving out of home tomorrow,” Max said. “She is going to be living with her boyfriend near my mother’s work.”

“Oh.” Now that they were sitting instead of walking, she felt obliged to look at his face when he was speaking. That was not a good thing because once she did look at him she did not want to look away. “You are not happy about this?”

“Not at all!” Max said. “She’s only eighteen, too young to know what love is.”

Liz wanted to point out that when he was eighteen he had claimed to love her but she did not want to make them both uncomfortable. “And I suppose you are old enough?” she asked instead.

“I think I would know better then her,” was all he would say.

She smiled and shook her head. “You will go to her wedding won’t you?”

He grunted. “Don’t talk to me about the so called wedding.”

“Oh you really are wound up about this, aren’t you?” She punched his shoulder gently and laughed. “You are a good brother Max.”

He looked at her and smiled boyishly then turned back to look at the front of the church.

“What are you and Marie going to do when you have to leave for London?” Liz asked. She knew it was wrong of her but she thought Marie and Max together was…wrong. “Will she come with you?”

“I don’t know,” he answered, turning back to face her. “I don’t know if it was such a good idea to get together with Marie. I think she is going to get hurt.”

Liz’s heart sped up. “Because of you leaving?”

“Well, that could be part of it,” he said. They looked at each other for a moment then glanced away.

Liz saw that he was going to say something more but then decided against it. She wasn’t going to let him stop, “What? You want to ask me something?”

“No, it doesn’t matter.”

“Come on,” she held her breath.

“I just wanted to ask what caused your big change in character. I don’t remember you being anything like this.”

Liz swallowed. “I don’t think I’m any different,” she lied.

“You’re joking right?” he rested his arm across the back of the chair and if Liz leaned in her back would be against him. They weren’t sitting too close were they? She shifted slightly away.

“Well, if I’ve changed, I hope it’s for the better,” she said.

“It is,” he told her without hesitation.

“Thank you.”

After sucking in a deep breath Max asked, “So what did you do in here all by yourself?”

“I don’t know—anything. Think.” She closed her eyes and tilted her head back. “Sleep.”

“Sleep?” he laughed. “Now they have to have opposed of that.”

“You’d be surprised.”

They sat there for a nearly an hour talking, catching up and trying to speak English. As the late afternoon turned into the evening they realized they should probably head back. “I’m starved,” Liz said as they walked towards town. “I think I’ll make myself delicious for dinner.”

“Do you eat by yourself?” Max asked.

“Don’t make me admit it out loud,” she said and looked around them in mock horror. “It’s embarrassing.”

Max didn’t think it was embarrassing. “Come to my house for dinner.”

“I really shouldn’t…”

“Please. I hate to think that you’ll be all alone.”

“I’m alone every night, I very used to it,” she told him. “I don’t want to intrude and your mother doesn’t know I’m coming…”

Max’s eyes were sympathetic. “Please come.”

When they reached the shop they found Marie standing outside with her suitcases at her feet. “Liz?!” she cried. “Since when is the shop closed on a Thursday afternoon?”

“Marie?” Liz ran and hugged her. “You weren’t supposed to be back until Sunday.”

“I know, I came back early.” Marie looked over Liz’s shoulder at Max who was standing smiling at her happily. She walked up to him and Liz looked away while she gave him a passionate kiss on the lips. “Max, I missed you.”

“Hmm.” He said. “It’s good that you are back early.”

She looped her arm around his waist. “I thought—I’ll go see Liz first to make sure she’s survived without me and then take my things home but then I get here and you aren’t even here.”

Liz unlocked the shop and they all went inside. Liz felt strangely sick—she had forgotten all about Marie’s relationship with Max towards the end of this afternoon and having laughed with him and smiled with him and…maybe started to like him a little too, she felt terrible.

“What were you two doing? I must say I was very surprised to see you two walking together. But I like that you’re friends,” Marie just had so much to say, she just kept talking and talking and talking. Liz tapped her fingers against her forehead and then offered to go make them both coffees while they settled in the lounge. She took a moment to collect herself while she was standing over the stove.

She must be going insane, she decided. Max was still younger then her and yes he was charming and yes he was funny but he was her best friends boyfriend, she couldn’t have a crush on him! Shaking her head and tutting at herself she walked into the lounge holding a tray with biscuits and coffee. The sight of Max and Marie standing with their arms around each other and kissing was more then she had prepared herself for. She put the tray down on the table and stood back, averting her eyes. “Here you go.”

They didn’t pull apart quick enough in her opinion. “Max was just telling me that you two were planning a party for me.”

“Oh? I didn’t see any talking going on,” Liz mumbled. Certainly a lot of mouth exercises but no actual talking. Max looked at her.

“You are so sweet Liz, but now I can help you plan it, we can still have it right?” Marie asked.

“Yes, of course.”

Max told Marie to come to his house for dinner and they got ready to go. “Liz is coming too,” he said.

“Of course, she can’t stay here by herself,” Marie fanned herself with her hand. “What is wrong with the weather here? I swear, it’s supposed to be winter in a couple of weeks isn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s bizarre,” Max said.

“Guys, I think I will stay here. You two go ahead,” Liz didn’t think dinner was such a great idea anymore.

“No, you already said you would.” That was Max.

They practically threatened murder if she didn’t come so the three of them walked to Max’s house where Adèle happily set extra places at the table for them. Liz went to find Isabelle in her room. “Isabelle?”

“Liz? Hi! What are you doing here?” she got up from her place at her desk.

“Here for dinner, Marie’s here too. I just wanted to tell you I’d love it if you would come and work for me. Can I sit?” she motioned to her bed.

“Yes, please do.”

“I’ll show you what to do of course,” Liz explained, “its not hard. It’ll be fun having you there.”

“Oh Liz thank you!” Isabelle hugged her enthusiastically.

“What’s going on in here then?” Max asked and poked his head in the door.

“Max! Did Liz tell you? She said I can work for her!” Isabelle was absolutely glowing. It made Liz feel warm inside.

“I know, I heard. Did she tell you that no one else compared to you?” Max smiled.

“Is that true?” Isabelle asked.

“Of course,” Liz said. Isabelle hugged her again and then ran off to tell her mom. As Liz was leaving the room Max leaned into her ear and said, “thank you.”

She looked at him and smiled bleakly.

At the dinner table Nicola asked, “When I turn sixteen can I work for you too?”

Everyone laughed. “I don’t see why not,” Liz told her.

A bottle of wine was opened and Max poured Marie and Adèle a glass. He went to pour Liz one too but almost in unison Liz and Marie said, “Oh, no, alcohol for Liz.”

“What? Why not?” Max asked. “Here…”

“No, Max really I can’t have that. But thank you anyway,” Liz looked away, embarrassed.

“Treat yourself. It’s not like your pregnant or anything,” he laughed.

Liz and Marie glanced at each other. Max’s face fell and he had to put the bottle down. “You aren’t are you?”

“No!” Liz gasped. “I’m not pregnant, no. Of course not.”

No one saw Max’s breath of relief apart from his mother. He didn’t offer her another glass, just sat down and resumed eating.

Max and Marie sat on the porch after dinner and Liz entertained herself with Nicola and Isabelle. She hadn’t realized how profoundly discomforting it would be to see Max touching Marie. They played go home stay home in the drive way and Liz had to count while guarding ‘home’ (which was the porch). They went and hid in amongst the trees and when she’d counted to thirty she went to look for them. They tried to sneak back to where she had been.

Liz had just found Nicola—it was a hard not to see her in her pink t-shirt—and Nicola had run screaming back to the ‘home’ with Liz chasing at her. Isabelle managed to sneak from her place and get back too.

Max and Marie were laughing their heads off at them. Nicola got back safely and Liz stood with her hands on her hips, panting. “Oh, this just isn’t fair! You two are better at this game.”

“Oh come on Liz, you can do better then that surely,” Marie said.

“Oh you’re a fine one to talk!” Liz cried. “Let’s see you catch them.”

“Alright then.”

Marie got up and Nicola and Isabelle went to hide. Liz sat down at the edge of the porch and rested her head on her hands.

“One! Two! Three!” Marie counted loudly, covering her eyes.

Max got off his seat and sat next to Liz on the ground. “You’re very good with my sisters,” he said.

Liz shrugged. “Am I?”

“Hmm,” he nodded.

“You must be glad she’s back,” Liz motioned with her head towards Marie who was now sneaking around the trees trying to spot the other two.

Max nodded. “I am.”

“That’s good.”

“I’d have to be,” he looked at her.

“Yes,” she swallowed. “You would.”


-----

Wow guys! Thanks for the HEAPS of Fb! I love hearing what you have to say. I hope you like the new part!

[nicola]

7.

Quimperlé was beginning to cool down once more and Liz sat sipping coffee outside her store. She was thinking about the Max she remembered from three years ago. He had been cute, she thought. In a dorky kind of way.

She never would have admitted it then or told anyone that his flattery had done wonders for her ego. Perhaps too much so. She’d never appreciated him or his devotion and now he was giving it to someone else and that was why she was finally noticing him. She missed having someone fawn over her.

She remembered this instance when she had been sitting in the town square drinking coffee as she was now and there was a street band performing outside Le Saint Amour. She had glanced away from them for one moment and the next thing Max had taken the lead singers microphone and started serenading her. She’d been mortified at the time but now she looked back and smiled, or was that nearly cried? Because she wanted it again.

It was when she was looking into her caramel coffee Marie walked towards her and sat down. “What are you smiling about?” she asked.

Liz shrugged. “Nothing. How are you?”

“I’m—fantastic,” Marie said. She wanted to talk but Liz was not in the right frame of mind to listen to how wonderful things were going for her friend. She tapped her fingers against the metal table and wished to be alone again.

“You haven’t yet asked me why I came back early,” Marie commented.

“Oh,” Liz said. “I figured you had your reasons.” What was happening to their friendship lately?

Marie looked really pretty today, Liz thought. “Well, I wanted to come back and check that you are okay and I missed Max. Also—the gallery doesn’t need me back until after Christmas.”

“What?” Liz asked, suddenly paying attention. “You took the job?”

Marie smiled brightly. “Yes.”

“That’s fantastic,” Liz said. “It is perfect for you. You so deserve this.”

“I knew you would be happy for me,” Marie wasn’t smiling. “Liz…what about you?”

“What about me?” Liz asked. “Stop thinking about me and think only of yourself.” She reached across the table and took her hand. “I am fine, can’t you see?”

“I can see,” Marie mumbled. “Come with me. Sell the store and come live in Paris. You always wanted to live in the city—it used to be all you talked about.”

“Things change,” Liz said. “I’m in no place to leave now. I think its right that I’m here. Also… I’ve just hired Isabelle; she was so excited. How could I tell her I was closing?”

“You have changed so much Liz, more then you know. You are just a completely different person,” Marie rested her head on her hand. “You used to say, and I quote, ‘I can’t flourish here’.”

Liz shrugged. “I remember.”

“Max is coming to meet me here,” Marie said. “We’re going for a swim with his sisters. As much as I love them I wish we could be alone for a while, I swear we haven’t had a moment alone since I’ve been back.”

Liz was happy about that but she didn’t say anything. “Marie—I must admit it doesn’t seem like you to sleep with someone you haven’t been with long.”

Marie nodded. “Yeah. I don’t know what came over me…I don’t regret it though.”

“That’s good.”

Max came and got her and said a quick hello to Liz before she had to go serve some customers. Marie and Max walked together towards the beach. “Max, I’ve been thinking, what are we going to do when you have to go to London and I have to go back to Paris? I know we’ve been putting off talking about it, but we really need to discuss it…”

“Max!” Nicola grabbed his hand and tugged him forward. “Look, come with me.”

Max looked apologetically at Marie. “I’m sorry; we’ll talk about this later?”

“When?” she asked after he’d gone and then slumped down onto the sand.

………………………

“Knock, knock?”

Liz looked up startled and then let out a sigh of relief. “Max, oh you nearly killed me.”

“Sorry,” he smiled. “Making supplies?”

She looked down at her cocoa covered apron and her chocolate covered hands. “Yeah, I’ll be with you in a minute just let me clean up…”

“No, don’t bother. I can sit here. You do what you need to do,” he perched on a stool by the bench. “I’m sorry I came over so late.”

“That’s alright, I’m a bad sleeper. Never go to bed early,” she went to turn down the radio.

“You like old classics?” he smiled at her choice. “You’re just full of surprises.”

She shrugged. “We all have different tastes.”

Marie came down the stairs and plopped down onto the stool next to Max. “Liz, you will let me lick the bowl won’t you?”

“Of course.”

Max was there to have and English lesson from Liz and Marie was there because…well, Liz didn’t know why. She just was. “Max, you’ll have to give me some idea of how good you are at this,,” she said in English. “Tell me if you don’t understand something. I’m sorry I’m not the best teacher.”

“You fine,” he spoke back. “I very grateful for your help.”

Liz smiled. He sounded odd speaking English, but a good odd.

“Oh,” Marie said. “I have no idea what you two are saying.”

“ This morning I was thinking about what you were like three years ago,” Liz told him. “I remember once you serenaded me outside Le Saint Amour. You remember?” she laughed.

“What about Le Saint Amour?” Marie asked.

”I remember,” Max was embarrassed. “I sorry about that.”

“I’ve never been serenaded before. So I must thank you for the experience,” she grinned.

“Okay, this is hurting my brain,” Max said in French. “I can listen, read and write well but when it comes to speaking...”

“Well I understood none of it, but you sound very good,” Marie grunted. “Maybe I should just go home?”

“No, no,,” Liz said while she put a tray into the oven. “It will help you learn if you try to speak only in this language.”

“I suppose you right,” he told her.

“Oh this is useless, I have art to do. I’m going,” Marie said. “Max, don’t stay here too late, will you?” she pecked his lips. “See you later.”

“Goodbye,” Max said in English.

“Oh! Something I know,” she smiled. “Bye Liz.”

“See you.”

Once they were alone Max asked, “Do you need help?”

Liz looked around her. “That would be helpful, yes.”

“Are you speaking fast on purpose or does it just seem that way?”

“Sorry, no—this is the normal speed,” she said. She handed him some chocolate to mix. “Is it difficult for you?”

“Not too difficult, I know the language quite well,” he rubbed his temples. “Right, tell me. Why are you still in Quimperlé?”

Liz stopped what she was doing and looked at him. “Pardon?”

He stared into her eyes and she hoped that he wouldn’t notice her hands shaking. “You used to rave about leaving.”

“People change,” she said quietly and looked away.

“You are living proof of this,” he told her. “But people usually have reasons for changing.”

Liz pressed the back of her hand up against her mouth. “I do not wish to talk about this.” Her eyes stung. “I like this song.” She walked over to the radio and turned it up.
Que reste-t-il de nos amours?
Que reste-t-il de ces beaux jours?
Une photo, vieille photo de ma jeunesse.

Max watched her. “Have I upset you?”

Liz kept her back to him so he could not see the tears in her eyes. “I’m fine,” her voice broke. “I just need to use the bathroom quickly.” Outside the wind howled, breaking their silence. Liz shivered, she knew winter was now coming to claim the town.

“Liz,” he came after her. “Liz…” He took her arm in his hand. “I’m sorry; did I do something to remind you of your mother?”

She glanced quickly at him and then away. It was several minutes before she spoke, “its funny. You wish your whole life for something different and then you learn that you’re afraid of change.”

Max was concerned. “Is that what happened to you?”

Liz shrugged and sniffled. “I suppose so.”

“Are you alright?” he didn’t let go of her arm; he caressed it gently with his fingers.

She replied yes weakly and Max said he was very sorry that he had brought up painful memories. “You miss your mother a lot?”

“Occasionally,” Liz said. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to become all emotional on you.”

“That’s fine,” he helped her put her things in the fridge. “You know what is also different about you?” He knew he would just make her more upset but he wanted to get to the depth of what was going on inside her.

“What?” she asked not really wanting to know.

“Your eyes,” he cupped her face in his palm. “They’re always sad.”

She pulled her face away. “Are they? It must be your imagination. It’s just that yours are unusually cheerful and carefree. You don’t have a worry in the world do you?” She couldn’t catch his eyes in case he saw that she might feel for him. His affection had surprised her. “It must be because of your age. I’m sure I must have been the same then.”

For that one minute he saw the Liz he used to know before he left for Paris.

“You’re bringing up the age thing again?” he asked. “I’m surprised you haven’t before now. Have you lectured Marie on seeing someone younger then her?”

Liz backed away from him; she didn’t know what to say. Stuttering she managed, “No, no, of course not…”

He ran his hand through his hair. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”

“You’re right,” she said and chuckled uncomfortably. “What do you know about me—other then the person I used to be? I was rude and horrible, I deserve your anger.”

He slumped back down onto the stool. “No, no Liz you don’t. I invaded your privacy then and I was childish in my constant badgering…”

So he did regret how he’d been. “Max, I…I…liked it.”

Shocked, he asked, “What?”

“It was very flattering,” she laughed. “Very.”

He managed a smile. “Well at least it was good for something.”

“Yes, building my opinion of myself. Not sure if that’s a good thing…” she shrugged. “But I had no right to be so rude and I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay, I understand it. Didn’t at the time of course but now…” he cleared his throat. “Aren’t we supposed to be talking in English?”

“Yes,” she said. “I’m sorry. Right…now. Something I’ve been meaning to ask you because I have to look out for my friend. You said in the church that you thought it was a mistake to get togeth—”

“Slow down,” he begged. “Please.”

“Alright.” She repeated what she’d said slower and sat across from him so they could wrap ribbons on the individual chocolates.

“What your question?” he asked.

He was struggling with a ribbon and she leaned over to help. “Like this…so, are you going to break it off with her? It seems wrong for you to treat her so affectionately when you are uncertain as to the future of the relationship.” Liz had to keep reminding herself to talk slowly so he would understand.

“I am not affectionate with her,” he shook his head. “She affectionate with me.”

Liz raised her eyes brows at him. “You let her.”

“We have not had moment to speak privately,” Max defended himself.

“What will you do?” she asked, intrigued. “How do you feel about her?”

“I…care for her.” he answered and thought, do we have to talk about this? “Each time I try talk to her we interrupted. It not my fault.”

“Alright,” Liz said.

Again the howling noise of wind attacked the window frames. Max sighed, “The weather has taken a drastic change.”

“Yes,” Liz agreed. “It is as if summer was fighting with winter, trying to hang onto earth before disappearing for another six months.”

He smiled. “I suppose that one way of looking at it.”

………………………..

Liz thought that maybe it was a good idea to tell Max that she was starting to feel for him. Or in the very least…Marie. How would she take it? Liz didn’t want to drive herself guessing. Next time Marie was around Liz asked, “Marie how serious is your relationship with Max?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “Not too serious I don’t think. I like him a lot, that’s for sure. Why do you ask?”

Biting her lip Liz mumbled, “Oh, no reason…”

Marie looked at her. “Did he say something to you?”

“Oh, well, no…not exactly.” Liz was cleaning the shop windows and used it as a distraction from her conversation.

“What did he say?” Marie asked seriously. “Is he going to end it?”

Liz didn’t want Marie to hear it from her. “Just ask him what he said, it’s not my place.”

Marie groaned. “Oh why can’t you just tell me?”

Changing the subject Liz asked, “What do you want to do for Christmas?”

“I’m going to Max’s house. Toddles.”

Liz watched regrettably as Marie pulled on her coat and walked out the door.


............

I know, that part was kind of dull. Sorry, I'll try do better. Thanks for your patience and fb guys...

[nicola]

8.

Max needed a break from the whole mess that was beginning to be his life. He went to see Adrien on his winery and helped him for the day. It was late afternoon when the two of them were sitting on the porch overlooking the vines.

“Adrien,” Max asked. “When you first saw your wife, did you know you loved her?”

Adrien’s wrinkled hands held his tea cup in front of his wrinkled mouth. “No, I didn’t. When I first saw Renee I thought she was the most impolite person I’d ever met. Shoved past me on the train like I wasn’t even there.”

Max smiled. “Did you at least think she was beautiful?”

“No, not at all,” Adrien explained, “her hair was a big fuzz and she was wearing far too much make up.”

“Oh.” Max shook his head and scratched his forehead. “Never mind then.” He stared out across the land.

“Oh and you know how some women worry about looking bad when they first wake up in the morning but really they look as good as they had when they went to bed?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, Renee didn’t care what she looked like in the morning and she looked like hell,” he laughed loudly. “You’d never seen someone look so bad in the morning. I told her all the time too.”

Max raised his eye brows. “I am sure she loved that.”

“Oh she hated it,” Adrien said. “But she never cared about her appearance anyway, that was one of her best qualities, she never let anyone get to her—ever.” Adrien paused to eat a piece of apple and then continued, “It all doesn’t matter though. When you love someone you put up with all these things because the good out way the rest.”

“You live with them?” Max asked.

“Maybe I said that wrong,” Adrien shrugged. “The bad things don’t matter, that’s the grand thing about it.”

Max knew something about that. “So how did you two get together?”

“It turned out she was a cousin of one of my parent’s friends. She was coming to stay with them and I was always stuck entertaining her.” Adrien raised his bushy eyebrows. “And you know what? One day out of the blue she asked me if I could make love to her so she wouldn’t be a virgin anymore.”

Max laughed.

“That was very inappropriate back then. Waiting until marriage was the thing for girls to do—it just was,” Adrien said. “She was such a weird one, I tell ya. Anyway I didn’t understand it but she was adamant. At first I said no until one day we were walking along the dock and she accidentally slipped and fell in. She was such a silly fool, I told her to be more careful. Anyway, it was when she came out—I all of a sudden saw her in a new light.”

“Why?” Max asked.

“Well, mainly her terrible make up had come off and her puffy, terrible perm had come out.” They both laughed together. “And then you know what she started to do when she got out?”

“What was that?”

“She started singing at the top of her lungs—she has a terrible singing voice too,” Adrien explained, “You know what she started singing? Sittin’ in the morning sun, I’ll be sittin’ when the evening come, watching the ships roll in, then I watch them roll away again, I’m…”

Max joined him for the last part, “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay, watching the tide roll away…”

They smiled. “That was our song for the rest of her life,” Adrien sipped his tea and then stared off into the distance, remembering.

Max pressed his knuckles to his mouth and watched the happiness and sadness in Adrien’s eyes. He thought of his situation with Liz and Marie and tried to picture a life with either of them. A life like Adrien’s, loving making wine and loving his wife. He couldn’t decide whether it was better to just give up on both of them and get out now, as fast as he could.

“I’m going to go home,” Max got up from his chair and put his hand on Adrien’s shoulder. “I’ll come see you again soon.”

“Alright, bye Max.”

When he got home he found Marie waiting for him. They went into his bedroom and he closed the door after him. Before either of them could say something Adèle poked her head inside. “Are you staying for dinner dear?”

“No, not tonight,” Marie told her. “Thanks.”

“Alright.”

Max told her to sit on the chair at his desk and he sat on his bed. “What’s wrong?” he asked, wanting to know what she thought first.

“Max, is this working out for you?” she came straight out with it.

He opened his mouth but no noise came out.

“Because I don’t want to be second best—I try to convince myself that you don’t feel for Liz anymore but I just can’t help thinking that maybe—”

“Marie, I’m sorry.”

She stared silently at him for a long time and then let out a loud, exasperated breath. “I knew it.”

Max rested his elbows on his knees and rubbed his hands together. “When we were in Paris it was different…”

“You can say that again,” she grunted. “What is it with Liz that just has you in knots?”

He’d been asking himself that everyday since he’d come back here.

“She’s never been anything but rude and unkind…”

“That’s enough Marie,” Max cut her off. “Okay? You aren’t supposed to talk about your best friend that way.”

“You’re right, she is my best friend but that doesn’t excuse her behaviour. How can you be so forgiving towards her? From day one, you’ve been standing up for her,” Marie got up and started pacing. She realized she was being unfair to him. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re upset, it’s alright,” Max didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t good at this. “I do care for you…”

Marie shook her head. “It wasn’t going to work anyway, you’re going to London and I’m going to Paris. Do you think we could go back to being friends like we used to be?”

“I don’t see why not,” Max said, but actually he could. Broken relationships ruined all kinds of things between two people, and they still had to move past Liz too.

Marie came and sat next to him on the bed and took his hand in hers. “Can I tell you something?”

“Please,” he said.

“I…I think the whole reason I wanted you was because you wanted Liz so much. Everyone wants her, I think when I came to Paris I wanted to see if I could get…”

“God, Marie.”

“I think I slept with you to prove I was as good as her,” Marie said. “You don’t know how hard that is for me to admit but I knew that when you came back to Quimperlé and Liz saw you like you are now, she would regret ever saying no to you.”

“Marie, that’s just wrong,” he told her. “I don’t understand. You are best friends.”

“Best friends are very competitive Max,” she explained. “I was always one under Liz and she used to always make me know it too, now she doesn’t—she doesn’t think she’s better then anyone anymore—but back then she did. And by getting you, I was getting something that had always made her seem so much better then me—your affection.”

“Marie, you are just as good as Liz,” he said.

She bucked her head forward. “Yeah I know…now…”

“Marie, since you’ve been honest I have to be too.” Max swallowed. “I think I may have…ah, slept with you to prove I was over Liz.”

“I thought so.” That made her feel kind of sick inside. “At least we both kind of got something out of it.”

He smiled. “It was a good night Marie, don’t think—”

“No, no, I don’t,” she said. She didn’t know if she could stand being around him anymore but she hated to leave without saying everything. When ever you brake up with someone you always get home and realize you didn’t say half of everything you wish you had said. She didn’t want to do that on this occasion. “Are you going to get together with Liz now?”

“I don’t think so,” Max said.

“I don’t know if it would be a good idea or a bad idea,” Marie said. “She’s gone trough so much this past year, if you two got together and then something happened and you broke up—I don’t know how well she’d take it.”

“Why do I think you’re not just talking about her mother’s death?” Max asked.

“I’m not,” Marie said. “But it’s not my place to tell you, I’m sure she’ll fill you in some time if she wants to.”

Max nodded and his worry and curiosity nearly got the best of him. Before he forced it out of her he got up and bit his lip.

“I’ll get going.”

Before Marie left he gave her a hug and a kiss and told her he was sorry that they just weren’t right for each other. She nodded and hugged and kissed him back. “Me too,” she said.

~*~

It was the sixth of December when Liz saw Max next. She’d been seeing Isabelle every day since November twenty-fifth but her brother never came in. She asked her what he had been up to and Isabelle would just say, “He’s gone before I get up. He’s goes to work at the winery with Adrien I think.” Liz would say ‘Oh’ and pretend to be indifferent.

Sometimes Isabelle would ask, “Should I tell him you asked about him?”

Liz would always reply, “No, no, please don’t.”

Marie had told her about the break up and Liz couldn’t figure out if Max was staying away because he didn’t want to accidentally see Marie, or because he was upset, or because he didn’t feel like seeing either of them. Liz began to believe that maybe that night they had spent talking English together hadn’t been as great for him as it had been for her. She missed seeing him and thought about maybe going to Adrien’s to say hello.

Marie was leaving for Paris on the twenty-eighth—Liz didn’t understand why she couldn’t stay until after New Years—it wasn’t that Marie had been too upset about the end of her relationship. She hadn’t spent too much time recovering because she hadn’t needed to. But yet was still leaving and Liz couldn’t stop her. Were there things that Marie wasn’t telling her? Liz felt left in the dark.

Finally after feeling rather rejected by her friend and by Max, she gave in and went to see him. It had been nearly two and a half weeks since he’d been by. It was getting bitterly cold in Quimperlé now and she walked there in her red jacket and black boots and scarf.

Trent was the only person she could see when she finally reached the winery. “How can I help you?” he asked, smiling politely and friendly.

“I was hoping maybe I could see Max?”

“Oh sure, of course. He’s out back, come with me, I’ll take you.” To tell the truth Liz was a little nervous to see Max. She clutched her hand on her jacket and walked stiffly. She didn’t even know what she was going to say to him!

“He’s just in there,” Trent motioned. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

When Liz walked through the passage she ended up having to back out again because Max was in there, getting changed! He was shirtless and in the process of pulling off his pants when she saw him. Leaning against the wall, it took her several minutes to calm herself before she could call out, “Max? Hello? Are you in here?” Since when was he so well formed?

A few seconds later, when she was still standing frozen in shock, Max came out. “Liz?” he was pulling his shirt over his head. “What are you doing here?”

Tensely, Liz extended her arms and thrust a basket at him. “I brought you lunch.” This was so unlike her, no male ever made Liz Parker nervous!

“You did?” he was extremely surprised. After a minute of studying her he asked, “Are you okay? You seem kind of…knocked for six?”

She let out a puff of air. “I’m fine, sorry to surprise you. I just thought…” Pushing away from the wall she—

“Wait!” Max put his hands up. “Don’t move. There’s a…”

Liz’s heart stopped. “What? There’s a what?!”

Max put down the basket and approached her slowly, “Spider…”

“Spider? Oh GOD get it off!” Liz started to panic but Max had it and was taking it outside before she could blink. When he came back she asked, “Is it gone?”

“Yes, it was tiny,” he smiled. “Like every other female in the world, you are afraid of spiders?”

“Not every female, that is a large generalization you are making,” she said and then picked up the basket. “Please, take this.”

“Thank you. Although I must admit this is very out of the blue. I was just getting changed to go inside to eat.”

“Oh, I can leave…” she didn’t want to.

Thankfully he didn’t want her to either. “No, no, come. We’ll go eat this somewhere. You saw Trent, no?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“He’ll tell Adrien not to expect me,” he said. They walked through what seemed like a barn but was much larger. There were barrels stacked practically to the ceiling and it smelt of grapes and wood. Liz would have asked him if the barrels were all full and ready to be sent overseas but she couldn’t wait to ask, “You haven’t been around lately, what’s going on?”

“Been working,” he shrugged. Max noticed that she was wearing her hair down, she usually wore it up. It was very wavy, almost curly.

“So your absence has nothing to do with Marie?” she asked.

He didn’t look at her. “No, not really. How is she?”

“She’s good, painting her little heart out. She’s leaving on the twenty-eighth.”

All he had to say was a simple, “oh.”

They couldn’t find anywhere that was warm because everything seemed damp, so they climbed a stack of stairs and sat on a large window sill with their legs dangling down outside the building. Liz could see practically everything from there. “There’s your house,” she pointed out.

“Yeah,” he said. “Look’s like the fires going. Mom must be home.” He opened the basket. “What have you brought me?”

“Nothing fantastic…” she rolled her eyes at herself. “So how are you? You’re around constantly and then suddenly you disappear. I thought I was teaching you English?”

“Hmm,” he said. “Just…found other things to do.”

Liz swallowed. “Oh, okay.” She was thinking about telling him how he had constantly been on her thoughts lately and she was also thinking of asking if he could tell her what that meant. She wasn’t used to it.

He stared at her for a long time. “My sister’s been telling me all the nice things you’ve been saying about her work. She loves being at the shop with you.”

A smile broke out on Liz’s face. “I know. We get on really well. She’s great.”

“She bought a cell phone with her wages,” Max told her. “All she does is text her friends.”

“Oh, no, what have I done?” Liz rested her head on her palm. “I’m sorry.”

“So you should be,” he said and then chuckled.

Liz helped herself to some chicken salad and then asked, “Have you heard anything from your job in England?”

“Hmm.” He swallowed the food in his mouth. “This is very delicious, did you make it yourself?”

“I did,” she smiled. “Hard to believe isn’t it?” His leg brushed hers and she felt a tingling sensation flood throughout her. Taking in a deep breath, she willed herself to stop staring at him and then turned to face the sky.

“They are giving me a company car,” Max told her. “If the job works out I’ll get to keep it.”

Liz was shocked. “Really? Wow, you’re lucky aren’t you? Well, maybe lucky is the wrong word to use—you did work hard for it. When does it arrive?”

“Next week or so,” Max said. “I leave for London January twentieth.” He was wearing a beanie on his head and when he pulled it off his hair was all flat, she watched him run his hand through it to fix it.

They had a short silence while they ate, Liz was thinking about how she was going to be all alone and Max was thinking about how he was going to be all alone. Soon, he couldn’t help himself any longer and had to ask, “Liz will you tell me what’s wrong?”

Liz frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“I know something happened after your mother died and I think I know what but I don’t want to sound rude by guessing,” he said. “If you feel comfortable enough to, will you tell me? I promise I won’t think any differently about you—death is a hard thing to get over and everyone deals with it in different ways…”

Liz’s face burned with embarrassment. “Max…”

“It’s okay.”

“I may have been a little bit…hmm,” she looked away and thought about what she could say. “I think everyone looks down on me when they know what happened; I think it shows that I’m very weak…”

“You’re not weak.”

“You look like you have put two and two together and you’re right, I did have an alcohol problem. A pretty bad alcohol problem to tell the truth.” Max could see that she truly was incredibly embarrassed to be telling him this. “I’m now, a bit of a…hmm, recovering alcoholic.”

Max nodded. “How long has it been?”

“Four months of being completely sober,” she wouldn’t catch his eyes anymore. “It was just…after my mother died, I couldn’t cope.” Her voice cracked and before she got really upset Max put his hand on her arm and caressed it.

“Liz, I completely understand. It’s alright.”

“No it’s really not, Max,” she said. “When I think of alcoholics I think forty-year old woman having a mid life crisis or—”

“No,” he cut her. “No they aren’t the only people. It’s really common.”

She finally looked at him. “You think less of me?”

“No,” he shook his head. “I kind of feel like a bit of a bastard! God I kept offering you a drink, I’m really sorry.”

Liz let out a breathless laugh. “You didn’t know. It’s alright.” She was shocked as well as extremely comforted when Max put his arm around her shoulders.

He smiled into her face, “Liz, I’m glad you told me.”

“I hardly had any choice did I?” she shivered and it wasn’t because she was cold. His nearness was doing crazy things to her head and body. She could smell his musky scent. “You had deducted it from what you knew of me.”

“That is true.” Now he was grinning and those damn child eyes were dancing at her. Why did his ability to be so carefree make her so jealous of him? “Liz, do you ever laugh anymore?”

“Of course,” she lied.

He saw right though it. “Would you like to?”

Liz didn’t say anything and he took his arm away and resumed eating. “You are a very good cook,” he said.

“Thank you.”

Max thought about telling her that she was the reason he had stayed away from town lately. He was trying to loose his feelings for her; they would lead to no good. Now she was here and what could he do?

Liz wanted him to kiss her so badly she nearly burst. To make it easier for herself she admitted to him speedily in English, “Max, would it be terrible if I told you I might be falling for you?”

“Pardon?” he asked, pretending he didn’t hear her correctly when really he had heard her loud and clear.

“Never mind,” she shrugged her shoulders and let out a loud breath. “Do you want coffee? Well actually it’s more like mocha. I put my own special blend of chocolate in it.”

“Sounds delicious,” Max said, not tearing his eyes off her. He couldn’t believe what he had heard, was she serious? No, she couldn’t be. In what world did Liz Parker feel for Max Evans? No world he knew existed. Should he kiss her? He wanted to.

“Here you go,” Liz handed him a plastic cup with shaky hands.

“Can we drink this and walk? I want to walk.”

He helped her to her feet and carried the basket back down the stairs. They left it on a bench and walked quietly in among the vines that held no grapes.


~*~

Hey everyone, I hope you liked this part. Thanks Stefanie for de-lurking to leave me fb and everyone else, I'm so glad you are enjoying this, I'm enjoying writing it so it's so wonderful to have people like something I'm trying to put so much into.

[nicola]

9.



“Hmm,” Marie mumbled to herself. With her hand on her chin she watched Liz and Isabelle serve their customers fluently. “I think you and I have swapped positions Liz, I can no longer bear the boredom of slow Quimperlé. I really can’t, I swear. I need to get back to Paris and quickly.”

Liz focused on her customer, ignoring her friend for a moment. “There you go. Have a good morning.”

“You too.”

When they were gone Liz turned to her friend with a smile. “Paris can wait,” she said. “You are spending Christmas with me.”

“If you weren’t holding me here my mother would be, don’t worry,” Marie got up from the stool she was sitting on and brushed her hands down her turtle-neck sweater. Liz watched her and then instantly turned her head to the door when the bell dinged signally a new shopper.

“I’ll serve her,” Isabelle smiled at them. She was felling as if she were a part of their friendship, making it a trio. It didn’t matter that she was ten years younger, she belonged. Liz made sure she felt like she did.

“I have been studying you,” Marie raised one eye brow at Liz. “And I know that you have been watching that door like a hawk for the last hour and a half. Are you waiting for someone?”

Liz shook her head severely. “No, who could I possibly be waiting for?” she chuckled at the absurdness of it. “Who do I have to wait for? You are crazy.”

Marie wouldn’t stop looking at her. “I came by the shop yesterday lunch time and you weren’t here. Where did you go?”

Scratching her head and licking her lips, Liz waited a long moment before answering, “I went for a walk.”

“A walk?” Marie asked. “Where to and at lunch time?”

“Why are you questioning me?” Liz blurted aggressively. “I have nothing to hide.”

Marie was going to put the kettle on so Liz followed her. “Yes, but I’m just checking that is so.”

“I am a grown woman.”

Yesterday Liz didn’t get back until around three, she and Max had ambled for nearly an hour. He had shown her what he did at work and then they had sat down again, this time in Adrien’s house. He made them tea and asked her about her life and how she was. Liz thought Adrien was a charming man.

When it was time to go, Max had walked her to the road. “I enjoyed the food immensely Liz, thank you so much. You should be a chief” He paused and then added, “The company was just as…delicious. A great surprise.”

Liz was slightly embarrassed and showed it by blushing. “You’re very welcome. I was nice to cook for someone who hasn’t tried my food—”

Taking her hand, Max brought it to his lips and pressed it there for a long moment. Looking into her eyes, he said passionately, “Liz, I’d love to eat with you again some time.”

“I’m not going to say no again,” she breathed, remembering three years ago. “Well, you know where I am.”

“Hmm,” he murmured. They stared at each other for longer then what was appropriate and Liz felt herself falling even further for him. After what had seemed an almost perfect afternoon, how could she not? Max was a wonderful person that she had through the last years allowed to pass her by. How she regretted it! “I really have to get back to work,” he said.

“You won’t get in trouble for entertaining me for last few hours will you?”

“No, Adrien won’t mind at all.” He paused, “I’ll try and come around some time.”

“Good,” she said. “So it won’t be another two weeks before anyone sees you?”

He chuckled. “No, not likely.”

“Alright, see you later.”

When she was walking down the road she felt his eyes on her and about a mile away, she turned back and saw he was still there. She lifted her arm and waved.

“Liz!” Isabelle called from the shop. “Come here, for a second would you?”

In the shop Liz found Amélie waiting with her purse in her hands. “Hello, how are you?” she asked.

“Liz,” she smiled and nodded. “I’m going to have my wedding on Christmas Eve and I need a cake. The receptions actually going to be the next day and I was wondering…”

“Oh of course!” Liz cried. “Of course I will make you cake. Ill whip up some samples for you and you can pick—”

Amélie was so excited. “Oh thank you Liz, this is so great…”

“You’re very welcome.”

“I’d love for you and Marie to come to the reception Christmas night, we’re inviting everyone—it’ll be outside my mom’s house in the big yard…” Amélie rubbed her hands together. “Now, Max mentioned something about you being a bit of a good cook too…”

“When has he tasted your cooking?” Marie asked, coming out from the back room.

”Oh, just…sometime,” Liz shrugged the question off. “Let me guess, you need help with the food too?”

“Very much so, my mom wants to cook but there’s only so much she can do in that little kitchen of hers…I was going to ask a restaurant but we know you and Max really thinks highly of your food.”

Liz’s heart swelled. Oh he does, does he?! “I’d love to help you.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Really, I’m very happy to do it.” Liz was planning the menu in her head already.

“I’ll help too,” Marie volunteered. “Send your mother around here some time to discuss what foods she was thinking of.”

“I will do that,” Amélie said. “I really can’t thank you enough.”

Once she was gone Isabelle said to Liz, “You’ve done so much for our family, we are indebted to you in the largest way.”

Liz, seeing Marie’s sour, jealous face told Isabelle, “I haven’t done much, you’re overreacting. But thank you. Come have coffee with us, it’s nearly lunch time—no one will be around for a while.”

It was an hour later at one PM when the bell dinged again. The three girls were sitting out back and all got up to go serve. Marie chuckled, “I’ll go, and you two sit.” A few seconds later they heard Marie say, “Max…hello…”

Isabelle and Liz glanced at each other and then both went to go look. “I had to beg Max to come around this morning so I could make him an ice cream cone and show him how good I am,” Isabelle whispered to Liz. “He’s such a party pooper.”

Liz smiled. “You had to beg?”

“Practically,” Isabelle rolled her eyes. “We should save them from an uncomfortable moment don’t you think?”

“Yes, I think so.”

Max looked up when they walked into the shop. Isabelle was cheerful, “Finally you come! Let’s see, wafer cone or tub or normal?”

“Hey Max,” Liz went and stood next to Marie, putting her arm around her. She never tore her eyes off him and her heart was doing crazy things. She realized her face was a little flushed again too. How childish, she told herself. Get a grip.

“Thank you,” Marie whispered to Liz when Max was talking to his sister. “Can you say un situation délicate? ”

“Hmm,” Liz smiled into her face, their noses nearly touching. “It will get better.”

Isabelle was talking away to Max. “Amélie has just been here, Liz is making her wedding cake and helping with the food, Marie’s going to help too.”

“Ah, so she listened to my recommendation?” Max turned and looked at Liz briefly. “I hope the cake will be chocolate?”

“We’ll see,” Liz smiled. She didn’t notice Marie watching them intently.

In English, so the others wouldn’t know what he was saying, Max told Liz, “My lunch not as good as yesterday. I afraid you ruined it for me.”

Liz laughed. “I am very, very sorry.”

“What was that?” Isabelle asked. “I know a little English. What about lunch and yesterday?”

“Nothing,” Max shook his head. “I have to get back, have you finished or what?”

“Yes, I’ve finished,” she said with mock annoyance. “That will be—”

“No, no,” Liz waved her hand. “You can’t charge your brother.”

Isabelle shrugged. “Alright.” She demanded Max taste it and after rolling his eyes he did. Liz watched his tongue glide over the creamy mixture. “Well, isn’t it just so much better now that you know I served it for you?”

“Oh of course,” he humoured her. “I have to be getting back now. See you all later.”

They watched him go and then Isabelle said, “He’s such a fart sometimes.”

“I’m sure Liz doesn’t think so,” Marie mumbled and walked past them, into the back room.

Liz went after her, surprised. “What does that mean?” she asked.

“Oh, it’s so clear that you like him,” Marie answered. “Don’t worry its okay.”

As if I need you permission to like someone, Liz thought. But then realized Marie had every right to say whether or not she was allowed to be with him.

“And what was that about lunch yesterday?”

~*~

“Marie I’m so sad that you and my son aren’t together anymore,” Adèle said. “I really am. I thought you two were great together.”

“Not so much so,” Marie told her. They were all sitting in the kitchen and Liz was quiet because she was getting a bad vibe from Adèle and she didn’t know what to think of it. Maybe it was because she just wouldn’t stop talking about Max and Marie.

It was Marie and Max, Max this, Marie that…it was sweet when, you two were so, oh how I wish you two were, bla, bla, bla. Liz was starting to get very, very fed up with it all. It was like Adèle was trying to purposely rub it in Liz’s face.

She didn’t know what was happening between her and Max but something definitely was. Her feelings ran deep—a little further then she cared to admit, and to have Marie’s ex-relationship with Max repeatedly reminded to her was incredibly disheartening. It was very clear to Liz that she did not deserve Max, and after her harsh refusals of his affection through the years it would be wrong of her to expect him to come running to her now. However, if he did still want her nevertheless there was no way in hell she would let his nasty mother tell her any other way.

When Marie had to make a phone call and Adèle scooted close to Liz, she knew what was coming. “Liz, am I to guess that my son has taken a fancy for you once again?”

Liz didn’t look at her when she said, “I’m afraid that’s something you’ll after to ask him.”

“I know that after all this time you are starting to notice him,” Adèle went on. “It’s very obvious and I have to tell you that I’m not very happy about it.”

“I guessed as much,” Liz said. Why did everyone know something was going on, was a pamphlet written up and sent out without her knowing about it?

“Liz, I don’t think its right that you should play with my son. I’m telling you this just in case you intend to—I don’t know what your thinking but I can assume.”

“Is that what you’re doing?” Liz looked at her now. “Assuming something that isn’t so?”

“Well I want to make it clear to you that it isn’t decent of you to suddenly notice my Max now just because he’s older and got a clear, bright future ahead of him. You can’t expect him to just come running back to you because you said, ‘oh hey, I’m interested now’.” Adèle took a deep breath. “I know all you are interested in is leaving Quimperlé and now you know he’s a means of doing so…”

Liz gasped. “You have it all wrong!”

“I don’t want to be mean,” Adèle told her sincerely. “I like you Liz, I always have. I’m just looking out for the best interest of Max.”

“Well you’re talking to the wrong person,” Liz said sternly. “I am not someone you need to worry about hurting or playing with your son.”

Adèle patted her arm. “I’m just checking dear.”

“I know, it’s kind of you to do so for your son,” she said. “But isn’t he old enough to make his own decisions?”

Marie came back and plopped down onto her seat. “What are we talking about?”

“Nothing important,” Adèle said. “Now where were we?”

“Chicken,” Liz said grumpily.

~*~

Liz was sitting at home with nothing to do on December fifteenth. The truth was that most of her evenings resembled this one but tonight it was particularly bothering. She was thinking about whom she could be spending the evening laughing with and was even considering calling him.

However, for some reason she couldn’t bring herself to and she decided it was probably because of his mother. Liz could just imagine what Adèle would say if she picked up. Something along the lines of, “Can’t you harass someone else’s son?” or, “What, you’re nearing thirty and getting desperate?”

The problem with Adèle was she couldn’t understand that people change. Liz was considered ringing and hanging up if she answered but then she realized she wasn’t fifteen years old. Max had said he would get in touch and if he wanted to go out some time he’d call. She’d told him that she wouldn’t say no anymore and there was nothing else she could do.

On a regular night a year ago she might have gone out for a drink at a bar but that wasn’t an option anymore. Liz didn’t believe in God but right now she was extremely desperate. “Oh please,” she prayed. “Please, please, please let someone ring me this evening. I am so bored.”

Suddenly the telephone buzzed to life, suspiciously answering Liz’s priers. She picked the phone up and said warily, “Hello?” The whole thing was just too weird to imagine.

Marie laughed. “What, were you sitting by the side of the phone? You answered in one ring!”

“Actually, I was,” Liz answered. “And praying it would ring. How did you know?”

“I’m magic like that,” Marie said. “So I take it you’re doing nothing?”

Liz picked at a piece of fluff on her pyjama pants. “Hmm, you would be right.”

“Would you like to go see a movie?”

She opened her mouth to say yes and then shut it again. How bizarre, she thought. She had no desire to go out with Marie. If she couldn’t go out with Max she didn’t really want to go out at all. “No, not really,” she said. “Sorry, I’m just going to have an early night.”

“But you just said you were waiting by the phone!” Marie cried. “I don’t understand! Who were you waiting for?”

“It’s funny,” Liz answered. “I really don’t know.” She knew Marie was even more suspicious of her after that comment. “I’m going to go okay? Night.”

“Liz, you’re going insane,” Marie told her. “I swear to God, you are.”

“Okay.”

She went back to staring at the phone and being bored for a while afterwards. Then she went into her room and lay on her big lonely queen size bed.

~*~

Hey everyone, thanks for all the feedback, I hope you had a good week and I also hope, of course, that you enjoyed the new part. I realized today that I don't do nearly enough reading around here so if you have any reccomendations let me know because I want to get some nominations in this round. I also want to know what you guys think of my characters? Are they realistic, can you imagine what they are like? Just something we're doing at school--learning about things to make your writing better and so on, I think I need to work on my characters so let me know, thanks
~nicola